Nichol, B(arrie) P(hillip) 1944–

Nichol, a Canadian poet, editor, and novelist, is considered an important experimental poet. Looking for ways to escape the "language trap," Nichol uses imagistic techniques to create visual poetry through type size and placement, citing E. E. Cummings as a major poetic influence. His signature, bpNichol, reflects his break from traditional style. Nichol has also experimented with "sound poems." He is a member of The Four Horsemen (a sound poem group), and was the co-founder of the Toronto Research Group. Nichol received the Governor General's Literary Award in 1971. (See also Contemporary Authors, Vols. 53-56.)