Tributes from contributors
Tony was the first to publish my poems. He also introduced me to the music of the composer György Ligeti. He continues to introduce me to poets from all over the work, the reading of which greatly improves my own poems.
Astrid Alben Happy Birthday, Tony. All these decades and we’re both still breathing! Paul Auster Tony has been such an energetic and benevolent presence among us, and his dedication and generosity have significantly altered and enhanced the landscape of contemporary poetry. Where would we be without him? Michael Ayres I have always been grateful for Tony's faith in me and for producing such beautiful books so quickly. Elizabeth Bletsoe Both myself and José (Kozer) are grateful to Tony for his championing of our own poetry and for his constant output of the most diverse selection of poetry from every corner of the globe. Peter Boyle Tony's contribution to the world of contemporary poetry is central. No one does as much as he does to encourage voices to be heard in the wilderness; he is sensitive but decisive, clear in judgement and open to new ideas. I salute him. Ian Brinton Tony Frazer is a dear friend but he is also one of the few editors left in publishing who understands that a publishing house is a house. Shearsman Books is both house and home. Jennifer Clement Tony has been a wonderful publisher for me - and friend. MTC Cronin Tony is a champion not only of poetry but of translation in a market that mostly ignores foreign work. Tony Frazer rocks. Anamaria Crowe Serrano Tony has given such tremendous support to the poetry community. Susanne Dyckmann When a string of American publishers turned down my ten years in the making book Ananios of Kleitor, Tony accepted it almost immediately and it went on to become the Shearsman best-seller for 2009. Then he did a second book in 2013 and is now working on our third. I've been around for some time and I can easily say he is the best. George Economou I really appreciate what he is doing for contemporary writers and poets and their translation in the UK. He is one of a kind! Tsvetanka Elenkova Poetry is a gift, an offering. It is given to the poet to be offered. Thank you, Tony, for building that bridge that has made it possible for poetry to be given. Thank you for building this incredible bridge for all of us, poets and translators. Thank you because you have always been there for us, "your poets", in many different ways. Gloria Gervitz Tony has been a key figure in poetry publishing and as one of his authors I have found him incredibly helpful - and wise. Paul Green I don't think I have literally been a Shearsman author, but have great respect for Tony's stamina and judgement with the press. Besides which, we knew each other at school... hardly imagining then how we would later meet across the landscape of poetry. Philip Gross Much treasured Tony is indefatigable, a wonderfully generous man, a superb editor who has devoted so much time and massive trouble to poetry. Harry Guest Tony Frazer’s contribution to poetry and letters is immense, solid, and considering the range of books he has published, incredibly focused. Yet there’s nothing ‘alternative’ about the universe he has created—whatever learning or pleasure one can get from books, Tony’s efforts, Shearsman’s generous, encompassing dimensions, embrace it. I am grateful for the books of mine he has published, grateful for the scope of his interests and for his kindness and generosity in every regard. Michael Heller I am honored to have been picked up for such a celebration -- a much needed one, that's for sure. …. Tony most certainly deserves our appreciation. Luis Ingelmo I think Tony is something of a rarity. I hesitate to say unique, but I'm tempted. If he were of a type then it is one less common than it used to be. In my idyll this vanishing breed are identified by these qualities: they include people who would otherwise not be included; with them it is about the writing, not who you know; social class and politics - those things that are used elsewhere to censor the record, to sort the 'us' from the 'them' - appear to be of no interest. All the other notable features, the energy, commitment to the art form, etc. might be found elsewhere, but usually - in one way or another - tightly fenced off. Andy Jordan |
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Tony is such an amazing person, and I feel very lucky to be published by him.
Alice Kavounas Tony Frazer must be held to account for he is a publisher who resolutely fails to be everything a publisher should be: he is enthusiastic, literate and does not concern himself with projected sales figures. What can be done to stop him? Very little, I fear. Marius Kociejowski I owe Tony a great deal and I think he has made an astonishing difference to the opportunities of contemporary poetry, and has done it with great modesty and open-mindedness. Peter Larkin It was Tony who first introduced me to the poetry community over here. Rachel Lehrman It is good to have an opportunity to participate in thanking Tony, who has indeed been extraordinarily generous in his support of poets and poetry. David Lloyd Delighted that you wish to recognise the important contribution our friend has made. Tony Lopez It's very pleasing and altogether appropriate that you are making this effort, and those of us who are indebted to Tony are in debt to you for it. Peter Mackin I had great pleasure in meeting Tony in person at Free Verse, the poetry fair. He is as delightful in person as he is via email and has been most helpful, not only in giving me advice when publishing my first collection, but in publishing my poems, of course! Julie Maclean This is an excellent idea, and a great opportunity for me to share a bit of space with many of the people I admire and respect. It goes without saying that Tony thoroughly deserves a 'present' of this kind. Simon Marsh What I appreciate most about Tony, besides the fact that he published me and so many other wonderful poets, is his matter-of-fact, I’m-not-here-to-stroke-your-delicate-poet’s-ego attitude, which I have found not only refreshing, but really quite inspiring. I consider it a great honor to be counted among the poets of the Shearsman family. Becka Mara McKay If it wasn’t for Tony, who knows where our work might be. Deborah Meadows He is indeed an inspiring figure in poetry and has published much remarkable work over the years. I am very grateful that he has taken a liking to some of my work and published it in the magazine. Valeria Melchioretto Tony Frazer’s selfless attention to detail, from conception to design and proofing, must be singular here in Middengearde. [He is] a dedicated and generous man. John Peck Tony really deserves to be fêted. I'm so grateful to have been published by Shearsman. Eléna Rivera Bravo to Tony on Shearsman’s 35th anniversary, and may the press survive until the biblical "three score and ten". Anthony Rudolf Tony really has a passion and put in an immense amount of work over the years to publish us. I can't imagine when he sleeps! Wendy Saloman I think I speak for several Irish poets when I say that Tony & Shearsman are very much appreciated here & have been for several decades. Maurice Scully We must honour this extraordinary and extraordinarily generous man. Robert Sheppard I did particularly enjoy reading the Shearsmans as they came in in the old un-glossy days. I appreciate Tony’s willingness to stick his neck out, in those brief reviews at the back of the mag for a while & in his recommendations lists on-line. Pete Smith Tony published my fourth collection when I'd not expected to have another book and it was such a boost to me. He enabled the spark of creativity to keep firing, we all need belief from someone to keep us going and he provided that for me at a particularly stressful time. I am so grateful. He also provided a great cover for the book, which I loved. Isobel Thrilling I certainly owe Tony a large debt of gratitude. John Welch Tony has done an amazing job, for all of us and many more. Nigel Wheale A good publisher is a ‘Sailors’ Home’ which we sail towards and re-embark from. Tony, you’ve made a home for all of us poet-sailors. Yang Lian |