"Well - I started writing - probably in the early 60s and by say '65-'66 I had read most of the poetry that had been published - certainly in the 20 years prior to that"

Robert Adamson is referring to his own journey as a poet. He started composing in the early 1960s and by 1965-1966, he had read most of the poetry that had been published in the two years prior. This recommends that Adamson was a ravenous reader and was eager to gain from the works of other poets. His commitment to reading and studying the works of other poets likely assisted him to develop his own style and craft. Adamson's quote also speaks to the significance of reading and studying the works of other authors. By immersing himself in the works of other poets, Adamson was able to get a better understanding of the craft and sharpen his own skills. His quote serves as a motivation to aspiring writers to check out and study the works of other authors in order to become better authors themselves.