In this series, a contemporary poet selects and introduces a poet of the
past. By their choice of poems and by the personal and critical
reactions they express in their prefaces, the editors offer insights
into their own work as well as providing an accessible and passionate
introduction to some of the greatest poets of our literature. Sir Thomas
Wyatt was born in Kent in 1503 and educated at St John's College,
Cambridge. He served Henry VIII as a diplomat in Europe but was
imprisoned and almost executed for his close relationship with Anne
Boleyn. On his release, Wyatt became Sheriff of Kent and later
Ambassador to Spain, and died 1542 from a fever caught on a diplomatic
mission.