Who Is Philip Larkin? Age, Biography and Wiki
Philip Larkin was born on August 9, 1922, in Coventry, England, and passed away on December 2, 1985. As of 2025, he would have been 102 years old. Larkin is celebrated as one of the most important English poets of the 20th century, renowned for his unique voice and poignant exploration of various themes including love, loss, and the complexities of life. His works, such as "The Whitsun Weddings" and "High Windows," have left an indelible mark on English literature.
For more information, check his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Novelist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 9, 1922 |
| Age | 63 Years |
| Birth Place | Coventry, England |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 2 December, 1985 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Philip Larkin's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements and physical statistics about Philip Larkin are not abundantly documented, reports suggest that he had a relatively average height and build for a man of his time. His physical presence was often overshadowed by his literary contributions, which were characterized by deep introspection and wit rather than by outward appearance.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Philip Larkin had a complex personal life, marked by significant relationships but no formal marriage. He had a long-term relationship with Monica Jones, a fellow academic and significant influence on his poetry. Despite the depth of their connection, Larkin never married, choosing instead to maintain a sense of independence in his personal life. His relationships are often reflected in his poetry, where he explored the intricacies of love and companionship.
After graduating from Oxford University in 1943 with a first in English Language and Literature, Larkin became a librarian. It was during the thirty years he worked with distinction as university librarian at the Brynmor Jones Library at the University of Hull that he produced the greater part of his published work.
His poems are marked by what Andrew Motion calls "a very English, glum accuracy" about emotions, places, and relationships, and what Donald Davie described as "lowered sights and diminished expectations".
Eric Homberger (echoing Randall Jarrell) called him "the saddest heart in the post-war supermarket"—Larkin himself said that deprivation for him was "what daffodils were for Wordsworth". Influenced by W. H. Auden, W. B. Yeats, and Thomas Hardy, his poems are highly structured but flexible verse forms.
They were described by Jean Hartley, the ex-wife of Larkin's publisher George Hartley (the Marvell Press), as a "piquant mixture of lyricism and discontent". Anthologist Keith Tuma writes that there is more to Larkin's work than its reputation for dour pessimism suggests.
Net Worth and Salary
While specific figures related to Philip Larkin’s net worth are challenging to articulate accurately, it's known that he had a stable income as a librarian and through his literary work. Larkin worked at the University of Hull as a librarian for most of his career, where his salary allowed him to lead a comfortable life dedicated to poetry. His posthumous recognition, including numerous awards and the continued sales of his poetry, has also contributed to his lasting financial legacy.
Career, Business and Investments
Philip Larkin's career as a poet is marked by a few key milestones. He gained widespread recognition in the 1950s and 1960s for his unique style and themes. In addition to poetry, Larkin wrote novels, essays, and criticism, contributing to various literary publications. His work, often categorized under the "Movement" of poets, has influenced many writers and continues to be studied in academic settings.
While Larkin's investment in real estate or traditional business ventures is not well documented, his commitment to his craft reflects an investment in the literary arts that has provided a lasting impact far beyond his lifetime.
Philip Arthur Larkin (9 August 1922 – 2 December 1985) was an English poet, novelist, and librarian. His first book of poetry, The North Ship, was published in 1945, followed by two novels, Jill (1946) and A Girl in Winter (1947).
He came to prominence in 1955 with the publication of his second collection of poems, The Less Deceived, followed by The Whitsun Weddings (1964) and High Windows (1974).
He contributed to The Daily Telegraph as its jazz critic from 1961 to 1971, with his articles gathered in All What Jazz: A Record Diary 1961–71 (1985), and edited The Oxford Book of Twentieth Century English Verse (1973). His many honours include the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry.
He was offered, but declined, the position of Poet Laureate in 1984, following the death of Sir John Betjeman.
Social Network
Although Philip Larkin’s life predated the age of social media, his influence extends into modern times through various platforms. Literary enthusiasts and academics continue to discuss his work on forums, social media pages, and blogs dedicated to poetry. Fans can follow discussions and analyses of his poetry, fostering a community that keeps his legacy alive. There are countless websites, including forums and literary groups, that focus on analyzing and celebrating Larkin’s contributions to modern poetry.
Larkin's public persona was that of the no-nonsense, solitary Englishman who disliked fame and had no patience for the trappings of the public literary life.
The posthumous publication by Anthony Thwaite in 1992 of his letters triggered controversy about his personal life and political views, described by John Banville as hair-raising but also in places hilarious.
Lisa Jardine called him a "casual, habitual racist, and an easy misogynist", but the academic John Osborne argued in 2008 that "the worst that anyone has discovered about Larkin are some crass letters and a taste for porn softer than what passes for mainstream entertainment".
Despite the controversy, Larkin was chosen in a 2003 Poetry Book Society survey, almost two decades after his death, as Britain's best-loved poet of the previous 50 years, and in 2008 The Times named him Britain's greatest post-war writer.
Education
Philip Larkin attended St. John's College, Oxford, where he studied English. His time at university played a crucial role in his development as a writer and thinker, exposing him to a wide range of literary influences that would inform his poetry. The rigorous academic environment and the relationships he formed with fellow students and professors shaped his perspective and future works.
As Philip Larkin remains a subject of interest in literature, his life story, relationships, and works continue to inspire new generations of readers and writers. With this glimpse into Larkin's life in 2025, we remember not just the poet but the man whose reflections continue to resonate in contemporary discussions on poetry and life.
Larkin's family lived in the district of Radford, Coventry, until Larkin was five years old, before moving to a large three-storey middle-class house complete with servants' quarters near Coventry railway station and King Henry VIII School, in Manor Road.
Having survived the bombings of the Second World War, their former house in Manor Road was demolished in the 1960s to make way for a road modernisation programme, the construction of an inner ring road. His sister Catherine, known as Kitty, was 10 years older than he was.
