Thomas Kinsella, the poet known for his lyrical verse and translations of Irish literature, has died at 93, the Irish Times reports.
Kinsella was born in the Dublin suburb of Inchicore and educated at University College Dublin. He made his literary debut in 1956 with Poems; several collections would follow over the years, including Notes From the Land of the Dead and Other Poems, One Fond Embrace, and Belief and Unbelief.
A critic for Kirkus called his book Godhead “marvelous in its conception, very rich in its nuances: a work of rare subtlety and depth,” and his collection The Familiar “a true but very small gem, with just enough facets to give off a few real dazzles.”
Kinsella was also known for his work in translating classic Irish works, including Longes mac nUislenn and Táin Bó Cúailnge.
In an interview with Poetry Ireland Review, Kinsella was asked if he believed “in the idea of inspiration.”
“Yes, certainly,” he replied. “But not as an instant illumination, or a touch on the shoulder. Inspiration is the recognition that out of one’s raw material the significant object is presenting itself. You must work your way toward it. The end of inspiration is the understanding that the work is done and done properly. There is great satisfaction in that.”
Kinsella was remembered by his admirers, including Irish President Michael D. Higgins, who wrote on his website, “All those with a love of Irish poetry and culture will be saddened to have learned today of the death of Thomas Kinsella, one of Ireland’s finest poets. His reputation at home and abroad was one of being of a school that sought an excellence that did not know borders.”
Michael Schaub is a Texas-based journalist and regular contributor to NPR.
