Name: Gautam

Age: 17 (quite recently)

My literary interests include Classical English poetry and epic fantasy. Among the great romantics, I have particular liking for Byron and Shelley- Don Juan, The Isles of Greece and The Revolt of Islam being my particular favourites from that period. Apart from that certain poems of Keats have appealed deeply to me- Odes to Autumn, Malencholy and Grecian Urn being prominent ones. Kipling is wonderful for a tired mind not wanting to concentrate too deeply- especially the poem "If". Finally, I cannot forget Tolkien and his beautiful songs of Middle-Earth.

Regarding fiction, Lord of the Rings takes first place by far on my Fantasy list. Tolkien is followed by William Morris, Philip Pullman and Ursula Le Guien. And just for the record, I do not share Keats views regarding Chapman's Homer- it completely failed to stir me... ;-)

Other favourite books? "To Kill a Mockingbird", "Animal Farm", "1984", "Papillon", "All Quiet on the Western Front", "Ivanhoe." PG Woderhous is sublime, particularly on a rainy day...

Another piece of pointless information, but Iabsolutely adore Sting's song 'Desert Rose."

I hate, despise, loath and abhor Christopher Paolini's Eragon.

I dream of being a writer/poet someday- 'nuff said.

P.S Criticism of my works is perfectly acceptable.

PPS. At present stage I have removed all my poems from FP as I now wish to try and publish. New work will be posted on my Livejournal account piper_of_dawn, so if you'd like to read please roll up and ask to be friended. ;-)

Cheers