I was very saddened to read an obituary in today's Guardian of William
Cookson.
He started Agenda when he was nineteen, and edited it for thirty-five
years - an epic achievement.
Every issue reflected his strong taste and judgment. He knew what he wanted
and maintained exemplary standards. The obituary hints at the ways he
personally subsidised the magazine that was his life's work. Official bodies
helped him for a while, then deserted him.
I'm not personally sympathetic to his adoration of all things Poundian, but
this is one of those deaths that makes you realise what one man can achieve,
and what a loss one man can be. I've quite a few copies of Agenda on my
shelves, and every one has worthwhile things that might not have reached
print without William Cookson. I'll be re-reading some of them this week.
George
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George Simmers
Snakeskin Poetry Webzine is at
http://www.snakeskin.org.uk
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