Ivor Treby, Poems 2007–2012

Ivor Treby was an early gay literary activist who first published his poems in the late 1970s and early 1980s in small gay magazines in the UK, USA and Australia, where he also gave readings at gay venues. He wrote four volumes of poetry, but gave up to concentrate on research into Michael Field, the pseudonym of the lesbian poets, Edith Cooper and Katherine Bradley. Ivor resumed writing in 2007 and at his death in 2012 left 68 poems, published here for the first time, with an introduction by John Dixon.

‘Ivor Treby was a pioneering gay activist and an early advocate of the importance of “gay literature”, that is to say, fiction and poetry written by openly gay writers for a gay audience. This was one of the ways in which we created a sense both of a community and of a culture. His was a distinctive voice, and we feel its loss.’ – Peter Scott-Presland, author of the forthcoming Amicable Warriors, the official history of the CHE.

‘Treby was a caustic jester, known for his prolific light verse. It rhymed because he wanted it to be read out loud, and it was light in tone because he wanted it to be read. But don’t be deceived by the lightness. His knowledge was weighty and his themes were serious.’ – Gregory Woods, poet, and former Professor of Gay & Lesbian Studies at Nottingham Trent University.