<<
There's often a very large audience, composed of university and town, and that might be something to value.

Not just that, Jamie, but even us poor plebs who finally get to read the lectures in book form.

Which is why I'd be delighted with either Prynne or Anne Stevenson, since neither have, to my knowledge, expressed themselves in the form demanded by the Oxford Lectures -- lengthy, coherent, regular, etc.

Which is why I wouldn't vote for Geoffrey Hill (if I had a vote, which I don't), because he doesn't need the bully-platform aspect of the Oxford Chair.  Though in terms of eminence, poetic achievement, etc., thoroughly worthy.

But why not a Scot?  Tom Leonard, now there's an idea.  He might even deign to lecture in English ...

Robin