A biting, morbid and withdrawn, esteemed British poet, Philip Arthur Larkin manifests all the extremes: from an Oxford alumnus to a jazz music addict, from a witty poet and novelist to the chief administrator of the University of Hull library. As an English poet, novelist and jazz critic, Larkin is well known for his vulgar, explicit language and frank views. Although his cynical tone persists throughout his writings, Larkin brings a tempering element to his melancholy writing: humor. He uses eccentric metaphors, controversial topics and frank language. Despite the controversy surrounding his writings, Larkin remains one of Britain's most popular poets. Larkin's influence on contemporary poets continues to expand, and his poems and works are still appreciated and discussed. Before Philip Larkin became infamous for his crude writing style, he started out as a teenage writer for his school newspaper. Born on August 9, 1922, in Coventry, England, Larkin attended King Henry VIII School between the 1930s and 1940s. He wrote and edited articles for the school's magazine, The Coventrian. Before entering college, some of Larkin's poetry attracted attention and was published in 1940. Continuing his love of writing, Larkin went to St. John's College, Oxford and graduated his degree with first class honors in English in 1943. His love of reading and writing ignited a burning passion in Larkin that lasted his entire life. After graduating, Larkin was immediately appointed librarian in Wellington, Shropshire; where he studied to become a professional librarian. Although he was extremely busy with his work and studies, Larkin continued to write and publish poetry and novels. Larkin's first work of poetry entitled The North Ship, comprising ten poems...... middle of paper ...... ed. Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 1990. Print. Schmidt, Michael. Lives of the poets. New York: Vintage, 2000. Print.Self, Cameron. “Larkin.” Tombs of the poets. Web UK. Solutions Direct, nd Web. February 11, 2010. .Steele, Timothy. "A Brief Guide to the New Formalism - Poets.org - Poetry, Poems, Biographies and More." Poets.org - Poetry, poems, biographies and more. Academy of American Poets, nd Web. February 8, 2010. "::: THE PHILIP LARKIN COMPANY - HOME PAGE :::." ::: THE PHILIP LARKIN COMPANY - HOME PAGE :::. The Estate of Philip Larkin, nd Web. February 10, 2010. .Wetzsteon, Rachel. “Philip Larkin and happiness.” Contemporary Poetry Review: Resurrecting Poetic Criticism. Program of the American Poetry Fund, nd Web. February 10. 2010. .