Poet Laureate

Poet Laureate (from the Latin poet laureate = laurel -winning poet ) is in some Commonwealth countries, notably in the UK, Canada and the USA respectively by the state of distinguished poets. The name comes from the ancient tradition to decorate excellent poet with a laurel wreath.

United Kingdom

In the UK Poet Laureate is the office of a court poet, whose job it is to write poems for official events and national events. The Poet Laureate is currently being proposed by the Prime Minister and appointed by the King / Queen of the. Until 1999 it was awarded for life, since that time, the ceremony will take place on 10 years.

List of incumbent since 1599

USA

In the United States Poet Laureate is literature and poetry critics appointed annually for the period from October to from May Librarian of Congress in consultation with the respective " incumbent " Poet Laureate and outstanding. The Poet Laureate is to advise the Library of Congress in poetry matters to the side and looked after a reading series. Otherwise it is or let her in the design of its activities for the promotion of poetry relatively free hand. The award is valued at $ 35,000 and connected with a travel stipend of $ 5,000 (2007).

• List of Poet Laureate at the Library of Congress