Born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1937, Morris studied at the University College of the West Indies and as a Rhodes Scholar at St Edmund Hall, Oxford.  An Emeritus Professor at the University of the West Indies he was awarded Jamaica’s Order of Merit in 2009.

His invaluable contribution to the development of Caribbean literature, both in his creative writing and as an editor, teacher and scholar, was recognised in May this year when he was appointed as Jamaica’s first Poet Laureate in over fifty years.

His books include The Pond (revised edition 1997), Shadowboxing (1979), Examination Centre (1992) and On Holy Week (1993).  He has also edited The Faber Book of Contemporary Caribbean Short Stories and published numerous essays across his long career.

The Bristol Poetry Institute was founded in 2012 with the aim of bringing together scholars, students, poets and poetry-lovers across the University of Bristol and the wider community and forging links both domestically and internationally to promote discussion and debate on poetry in all its forms.  Its annual readings have previously featured Carol Ann Duffy (2012) and Sir Andrew Motion (2013).

This year's reading has been made possible by generous support from the Public and Ceremonial Events office, BIRTHA, and the Vice-Chancellor’s Fund.

Please note, booking is required in advance via the online form