August 9, 1922

Philip Larkin, (August 9, 1922 to December 2, 1985) of modest background, became one of the most renowned poets in England. He worked as a librarian at Hull University most of his life. He had a variety of affairs, the most long-lasting being with Monica Jones. They vacationed together regularly, but it was only at the end of his life that she lived with him. Andrew Motion in his biography of the poet describes her poignant situation right after Larkin's death. She had not been introduced to many of his friends, and was not comfortable attending his funeral.

Monica met one of his friends though. That was Barbara Pym standing next to her below. Larkin took this photograph. Monica is on the left, holding a big cat.




A picture to study, I find. I don't recall Motion mentioning cats in his biography of Larkin.