Monro, Harold, 1879-1932

Harold Monro was born in Brussels to Scottish parents, and educated at Cambridge. He wrote and published poetry, and founded the influential magazine, Poetry Review. He is best remembered for opening the Poetry Bookshop in London, where he published new collections of poems and created a hospitable environment for poets and readers. He also served in World War I, returning to the Bookshop in 1919. A modest poet, Monro led a troubled personal life, but aided and befriended many notable 20th century poets, including Wilfred Owen and Robert Frost, both of whom lived in the Poetry Bookshop for a time.

From the description of Harold Monro letters to Macdougall, 1920. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 70247611

English poet and bookseller.

From the description of Strange meetings : place not specified: autograph manuscript of section XIII of the poem signed, 1928 Nov. 8. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270639493

Epithet: poet and proprietor of the Poetry Bookshop

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000297.0x00022a

Harold Edward Monro was born on Mar. 14, 1879, St. Gilles, Belgium; educated at Radley, 1892-96, and Cambridge, 1898-1901; married Dorothy Elizabeth Browne, 1903; founded Samurai Press and published first book, Proposals for a voluntary nobility (1907); moved to London, 1911; founded and edited the Poetry review, 1912; founded the Poetry Bookshop, 1913, where he met Alida Klementaski, who later became his second wife after his first marriage was dissolved in 1916; began poetry readings at Poetry Bookshop which continued up through the time of Monro's death; founded and edited Poetry and drama (1913-14) and the Monthly Chapbook (1919); although better known as an editor than a poet, he continued to write and publish poetry, and The collected poems of Harold Monro was published in 1933; died after an extended illness, 1932.

From the description of Papers, ca. 1910-1935. (University of California, Los Angeles). WorldCat record id: 38060710

Harold Monro was an English poet, editor, and anthologist. Born in Belgium to British parents, he discovered a love of poetry at an early age, and it remained his sole interest through his career at Cambridge. Monro contributed significantly to English poetry by founding presses and periodicals dedicated to publishing verse, compiling anthologies, and establishing his London Poetry Book-shop, a gathering place for poets. His own poetry was admired yet neglected, and he was known for the sunny domestic tone of his most anthologized pieces. A wandering soul, much of Monro's later poetry reflects his inner despair, and, despite some technical clumsiness, it is this work that other poets have come to value.

From the description of Harold Monro letters and clipping, 1928-1970 (bulk 1928). (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 61356052

Monro, editor, publisher and proprietor of the Poetry Bookshop, was born in Belgium but he moved to England at age seven. Monro travelled extensively throughout Europe but he settled in London where he became a central figure in the poetic literary life of the city.

Monro published both modernists and the traditionalists, with his poetry moving between the two. Monro's unique voice is most obvious in his two works, "The Earth for Sale" and "Collected Poems" (1933).

From the description of Papers, 1911-1931. (Temple University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 122491197

Biography

Harold Edward Monro was born on March 14, 1879, St. Gilles, Belgium; educated at Radley, 1892-96, and Cambridge, 1898-1901; married Dorothy Elizabeth Browne, 1903; founded Samurai Press and published first book, Proposals for a Voluntary Nobility (1907); moved to London, 1911; founded and edited the Poetry Review, 1912; founded the Poetry Bookshop, 1913, where he met Alida Klementaski, who later became his second wife after his first marriage was dissolved in 1916; began poetry readings at Poetry Bookshop which continued up through the time of Monro's death; founded and edited Poetry and Drama (1913-14) and the Monthly Chapbook (1919); although better known as an editor than a poet, he continued to write and publish poetry, and The Collected Poems of Harold Monro was published in 1933; died after an extended illness, 1932.

From the guide to the Harold Monro Papers, ca. 1910-1935, (University of California, Los Angeles. Library. Department of Special Collections.)