In the genealogy of recent French contemporary poets who have risen to the challenge of experimenting with ‘une nouvelle conception des enjeux du langage poétique’, Christophe Tarkos (1963–2004) occupies a prime position. Tarkos is not only known in France and abroad for his astonishing performances, unique improvisation and sense of humour but also for his editorial commitment: he edited several significant journals such as Facial, R.R and poézie proléter which published amongst others Charles Pennequin, Nathalie Quintane and Katalin Molnár; and played a significant role in the poetic renewal of the 1990s.