Why Edwin Morgan Wrote ‘The Computer’s First Christmas Card’

Edwin Morgan, one of Scotland’s most celebrated poets, was not just a wordsmith but a visionary whose works embraced innovation, technology, and cultural shifts. One of his most intriguing creations is The Computer’s First Christmas Card, written in 1968. At first glance, this playful and inventive poem may seem like a simple whimsical take on machines and holiday greetings. Yet it represents a confluence of Morgan’s literary experimentation, interest in technology, and broader reflections about communication and creativity in the modern age.

This article explores why Edwin Morgan wrote The Computer’s First Christmas Card, delving into his life, influences, cultural context, and the poem’s significance both then and now.

Edwin Morgan: A Poet Embracing Innovation and Experimentation

Born in Glasgow in 1920, Morgan lived through extraordinary technological and social changes. Educated at Glasgow University with expertise in multiple languages, he began publishing poetry in the early 1950s and evolved into a poet known for wide-ranging styles—from traditional sonnets to concrete poetry and science fiction-inspired verse.

Morgan’s curiosity about technology and the future was evident in his experimental poetry during the 1960s. He saw computers not as cold, impersonal machines but as potential new voices and collaborators in art and culture.

The Context of the Late 1960s: Technology Meets Art

The Computer’s First Christmas Card was created during a time of rapid technological advancement—the space race was in full swing, and computers were beginning to move from scientific obscurity into cultural visibility. Simultaneously,

avant-garde artists and poets were exploring new mediums and breaking down traditional boundaries.

Morgan’s poem was part of this cultural moment, showcased at the 1968 Cybernetic Serendipity exhibition in London—a pioneering event merging art, technology,

and cybernetics—which helped legitimize computer-assisted creative expression.

Morgan’s Purpose: Playful Innovation and Cultural Reflection

Several reasons likely motivated Morgan’s creation of the poem:

• Exploring the Machine’s Voice: Morgan was fascinated by the peculiar emerging “language” of computers—programming code, printouts, and machine “errors.” The poem mimics these aspects humorously, giving machines a humanlike presence.

• Merging Tradition and Technology: The Christmas card represents deep cultural tradition; by imagining a computer creating such a card, Morgan linked the past with an uncertain future, inviting readers to consider how technology might revolutionize cultural rituals.

• Expanding Poetic Form: Using concrete poetry, Morgan shaped text visually to imitate computer printouts, breaking new ground in poetic presentation.

• Engaging with Broader Themes: The poem reflects on communication, identity, creativity, and the human-machine relationship—ongoing dialogues in literature and technology.

Morgan’s work combined wit, technical insight, and literary craft—reflecting a playful yet thoughtful embrace of new possibilities.

Personal and Political Dimensions

Morgan’s broad worldview and inclusive values also shaped his poetic missions. Openly gay later in life and a champion of social justice, he regularly challenged conventions and advocated for marginalized voices. His willingness to experiment extended to exploring nonhuman “voices,” be they machines or aliens,

as valid subjects for poetry—imbuing his work with political and philosophical depth.

The Poem’s Lasting Significance

More than five decades later, The Computer’s First Christmas Card remains important because:

• It anticipates contemporary debates about AI, creativity, and human-machine partnership.

• It exemplifies early literary responses to emerging digital culture.

• It continues to inspire hybrid artistic forms blending text, technology, and performance.

• It remains a festive reminder that poetry can engage with technology dynamically and warmly.

Morgan’s pioneering spirit affirms that technology and tradition can enrich each other.

A High Authority Resource for Further Reading

To explore Morgan’s work and biography in depth, the Scottish Poetry Library offers authoritative information:
Edwin Morgan – Scottish Poetry Library

Read More: How Edwin Morgan Blended Poetry and Technology in The Computer’s First Christmas Card

Conclusion

Edwin Morgan wrote The Computer’s First Christmas Card as part of his lifelong quest to innovate, challenge norms, and explore the dialogue between humans and machines. By connecting festive tradition with the emerging digital world, Morgan created a timeless poem that entertains, provokes,

and inspires—affirming poetry’s enduring relevance in an era of rapid change.