John Forbes (poet)
John Forbes (
September 1,
1950 -
January 23,
1998) was an
Australian poet.
John Forbes was born in
Melbourne,
Australia, in
1950.During his childhood his family lived in northern Queensland, Malaya and New Guinea. He went to Sydney University. At this time his circle of friends included the poets
Robert Adamson,
Martin Johnston, and
John TranterIt was at this time that the work of the American poets
Ted Berrigan,
John Ashbery and
Frank O'Hara made a strong and lasting impression on him.
He returned to live in Melbourne in the late 1980's, where he became the poetry editor of
Scripsi. His friends around this time included the poets
Gig Ryan,
Laurie Duggan and
Alan Wearne.
Forbes died in
Melbourne of a
heart attack, aged 47.
Collected Poems, 1970-1998; 2001, Brandl & Schlesinger, ISBN 1876040270.
Damaged Glamour; 1998, Brandl & Schlesinger, ISBN 1876040106.
New and Selected Poems; 1992, Angus & Robertson, ISBN 0207169519.
The Stunned Mullet; 1988, Hale & Ironmonger.
Stalin's Holidays; 1981, Transit Poetry.
Drugs; 1979, Black Lamb Press.
On the Beach; 1977, Sea Cruise Books.
Tropical Skiing; 1976, Angus & Robertson.
Homage to John Forbes; ed. Ken Bolton; 2002, Brandl & Schlesinger, .
*
Forbes issue of Jacket*
Essay on Forbes by
Philip Mead
