Jack Underwood talks to Maurice Riordan about the development of his work and the transition from pamphlet to a full collection, how there are just ten "really good" poems, Simon Armitage, Elizabeth Bishop, Frank O'Hara and Charles Simic, the latest generation of young poets, teaching and the inspiration of TV. He also reads his terrific poem, ‘Spring’.

Jack Underwood talks to Maurice Riordan

The Poetry Society was founded in 1909 to promote "a more general recognition and appreciation of poetry". Since then, it has grown into one of Britain's most dynamic arts organisations, representing British poetry both nationally and internationally. Today it has more than 4000 members worldwide and publishes the leading poetry magazine, The Poetry Review.

With innovative education and commissioning programmes and a packed calendar of performances, readings and competitions, the Poetry Society champions poetry for all ages. 

"The Poetry Society is the heart and hands of poetry in the UK – a centre which pours out energy to all parts of the poetry-body, and a dexterous set of operations which arrange and organise poetry's various manifestations. It has a long distinguished history, and has never been so vital, or so vitalizing as it is now." Sir Andrew Motion