Ruth Fainlight (1931, USA+UK) is a poet, writer, translator and librettist whose work spans over five decades. Born in New York City, she moved to London with her family at the age of 15. She studied fine art at Brighton and Birmingham art colleges before establishing herself as a prominent literary voice.

Fainlight has published more than 12 poetry collections alongside two collections of short stories. Her work is marked by its breadth across literary forms, including opera libretti. Her writing moves fluidly between the personal and the universal, combining intimate observation with intellectual reflection.

How you might know this poet

• Publishing over a dozen poetry collections and multiple works of prose.
• Writing the libretto for The Passion of Mary Magdalene, composed by Tansy Davies and performed at the Barbican Centre in March 2026.