Thom Gunn was an influential British poet who later made his home in America, becoming a significant figure in post-war poetry. Initially associated with The Movement, his early work was known for its formal control and exploration of existentialist themes like rebellion and the will. His poetry evolved to embrace free verse, capturing the vibrant and often harsh realities of the San Francisco counter-culture, including the AIDS epidemic. Gunn's writing is celebrated for its blend of traditional craftsmanship and unflinching engagement with contemporary life, desire, and mortality.