March 29, 2008
I'm emigrating
[found on Ananova]
A third of Brits don't know Shakespeare wrote plays - and many of them think he was King of England.
A new survey also reveals 25% didn't realise John Keats was a poet, with some saying his famous Odes were written by Robbie Williams.
Others believed poet Sylvia Plath was lead singer of the Black Eyed Peas. Less than a third knew Winnie the Pooh author A A Milne was a writer.
Our ignorance about our famous authors was revealed in a poll of 3,000 people. It also showed almost two thirds did not know Oscar Wilde wrote The Importance of Being Earnest.
Some 70% have never written a poem to a loved one though two thirds would like to receive one.
Poet laureate Andrew Motion, 55, said: "Although most people accept that poetry has a vital role in personal as well as national life, these findings show a depressing level of ignorance.
"The good news is that 61% said they would like to have poetry play a role in their lives - in which case we hope they might also want to write one."
A cruise firm is offering a seven-night holiday to the writer of the best poem, chosen by Andrew. The framed work will be displayed on board.
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