Philip Levine on the Legacy of Dylan Thomas

Features | Oct 31, 2014

Philip Levine has made a career out of poetry detailing the life of working class Detroit. But long ago, he was first inspired by an encounter with Dylan Thomas' writings.

The BBC's Carolyn Hitt sat down with the Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner to hear more about how Dylan Thomas served as motivation to begin writing poetry, as well as how he has inspired legions of other North American urban poets.

This interview is a part of WNYC and BBC's Dylan Thomas centenary celebration. You can find more coverage on Dylan Thomas on our special centenary page, including additional interviews with those who worked closely with him during his time in New York, as well as the new performance of "Under Milk Wood" directed by actor Michael Sheen at New York's 92Y.

Be alert for scams. WNYC never asks for nor accepts money for coverage or interviews. Anyone making such a request does not represent WNYC.

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