On this day in 1902 William McGonagall, poet and tragedian of Dundee, died. Today McGonagall is a cult figure, his many collections of poetry translated into over a dozen languages and selling well to those wishing to investigate a reputation for "the worst poetry ever written, in any language, at any time." The middle-aged weaver was contemplating the beauties of a June day when he felt "a flame as Lord Byron has said" telling him to "write, write, write." McGonagall's Muse stayed for the next twenty-five years, granting him a carnival popularity, guiding him through ridicule -- forged invitations lured him to non-existent public readings, rotten vegetables greeted him at real ones -- and inspiring him to tour America in full Highland dress ... FULL STORY »
