Remembering Dr. Dannie Abse

I had the sad news recently that the Welsh poet and author Dr. Dannie Abse died last week, aged 91. I knew Dannie from my years working with his agent Robert Kirby at United Agents Literary Agency. I have such fond memories of Dannie, from his weekly phone calls, to organising lunch at ‘The same place, same time’ (Trattoria Mondello, Goodge St, 12.30pm – where Dannie introduced me to veal!) to his hand written letters (Dannie didn’t use email…). His letters were always a joy to receive, small envelopes fronted with his elegant script. Sometimes asking Robert out for lunch, mostly instructing him to do something with a hint of wit. Once including an old postcard of himself taken back in his youth as a doctor, a note on the back “Don’t I look handsome!”.

A couple of years ago, before Dannie turned 90 I visited his home in North London for tea and a portrait. We chatted, had biscuits and he even made me read one of his poems to him. Nervous to impress, I’m pretty sure I made a mess of it. Luckily he took the book from me, and read one himself – showing me how it was done. A wonderful voice, warm and deep.

Dannie had an amazing life and will be sorely missed by many. He joins his wife whom he tragically lost in a car accident in 2005. His book The Presence documents this difficult time in his life and is heartbreaking, touching and uplifting all at the same time, my personal recommended read.

“we, more than one, less than two” Epithalamion