Norman MacCaig Quotes

A collection of quotes by Norman MacCaig.

Norman MacCaig (1910-1996) was a Scottish poet known for his profound and evocative works. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, MacCaig developed a deep love for nature and the landscapes of his homeland, which often served as inspiration for his poetry. His work is characterized by its clarity, simplicity, and thoughtful observations.

MacCaig graduated from the University of Edinburgh and initially pursued a career in teaching before devoting himself completely to writing poetry. He published his first collection, "Far Cry," in 1943, which set the foundation for his unique poetic style and themes that would be prevalent throughout his career. MacCaig's writing delved into various subject matters, encompassing nature, social issues, personal reflections, and philosophy.

Throughout his lifetime, MacCaig produced numerous poetry collections, including "The Many Days: Selected Poems of Norman MacCaig" (2011), a gathering of his best works. His poems were deeply connected to the Scottish landscape and frequently explored the relationship between humanity and nature, capturing both the beauty and harshness of the natural world.

Recognized for his mastery of language and his ability to convey powerful imagery, Norman MacCaig received many accolades for his poetry. He was awarded the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry in 1985, solidifying his place as one of Scotland's most influential and admired poets. MacCaig's works continue to be celebrated and studied, retaining their relevance and impact to this day.

Well, I love fishing. I wouldn't kill a fly myself but I've

Well, I love fishing. I wouldn't kill a fly myself but I've no hesitation in killing a fish. A lot of men are like that. No bother. Out you come. Thump. And that's not the only reason.

Norman MacCaig

Men Love

However, I learned something. I thought that if the young pe

However, I learned something. I thought that if the young person, the student, has poetry in him or her, to offer them help is like offering a propeller to a bird.

Norman MacCaig

Poetry

I never think about poetry except when I'm writing it. I mea

I never think about poetry except when I'm writing it. I mean my poetry.

Norman MacCaig

Poetry

And the second question, can poetry be taught? I didn't thin

And the second question, can poetry be taught? I didn't think so.

Norman MacCaig

Poetry

And if they haven't got poetry in them, there's nothing you

And if they haven't got poetry in them, there's nothing you can do that will produce it.

Norman MacCaig

Poetry

When I was a teacher, teachers would come into my classroom

When I was a teacher, teachers would come into my classroom and admire my desk on which lay nothing whatever, whereas theirs were heaped with papers and books.

Norman MacCaig

Teacher

I was very interested in American poetry for many years. Muc

I was very interested in American poetry for many years. Much less now.

Norman MacCaig

Poetry

All those authors there, most of whom of course I've never m

All those authors there, most of whom of course I've never met. That's the poetry side, that's the prose side, that's the fishing and miscellaneous behind me. You get an affection for books that you've enjoyed.

Norman MacCaig

Poetry

When I was asked to be Writer in Residence at Edinburgh I th

When I was asked to be Writer in Residence at Edinburgh I thought, you can't teach poetry. This is ridiculous.

Norman MacCaig

Poetry

In fact a lot of them I think are absolute baloney. Those Ch

In fact a lot of them I think are absolute baloney. Those Charles Olsens and people like that. At first I was interested in seeing what they were up to, what they were doing, why they were doing it. They never moved me in the way that one is moved by true poetry.

Norman MacCaig

Poetry

I'm very gregarious, but I love being in the hills on my own

I'm very gregarious, but I love being in the hills on my own.

Norman MacCaig

Nature