Earth House

Matthew Hollis' Earth House explores how our most intimate moments have resonance in the wider cycle of life,using the landscape,language,and ecology of the British and Irish Isles. The book revolves around the cardinal points and ancient elements,and is a moving meditation on time and nature. It is longlisted for the Laurel Prize 2023 and was praised by Tim Dee,Julia Blackburn,and Ronald Blythe.

Format: Hardback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: Bloodaxe Books Ltd

In Earth House, Matthew Hollis delves into the landscape, language, and ecology of the British and Irish Isles, exploring how our most intimate moments resonate with the broader cycle of life. Starting in the slate waters of the north, the book revolves around the cardinal points and ancient elements, traversing the vast skies of the east, the rugged terrain of a southern city, and the embers of places lost to us, to which we can no longer return. What emerges is a captivating meditation on time and the transformative phases of nature, drawing upon a myriad of forces—the wisdom of Anglo-Saxon verse, the metamorphoses of Norse and Celtic myth, the stoicism of classical thought, and the far-reaching influences of the East. Crafted with a writer's mastery of language, these poems open with the passing of an old life and culminate in the birth of a new one. They courageously navigate the seam between the present and the past, between destruction and renewal, humanity and our environment, and make Earth House a timeless exploration of our shared encounter with the remarkable lives of our planet.

Longlisted for the Laurel Prize 2023, Earth House marks Matthew Hollis' eagerly awaited follow-up to Ground Water (2004), which received critical acclaim and numerous prestigious awards. Hollis is the author of several notable works, including Now All Roads Lead to France: The Last Years of Edward Thomas (2011), winner of the Costa Award for Biography and the Sunday Times Biography of the Year. His latest book, The Waste Land: A Biography of a Poem (2022), delves into the enigmatic origins and profound impact of T.S. Eliot's iconic masterpiece.

In Earth House, Hollis weaves a tapestry of words that evoke the essence of the British and Irish Isles, capturing the beauty and complexity of their landscapes, languages, and ecosystems. Through his poetic lens, he explores how our most intimate experiences connect with the larger tapestry of life, reminding us of our place within the interconnected web of existence. The book begins in the slate waters of the north, where Hollis immerses us in the rugged beauty of the coastal regions. He evokes the sense of isolation and longing that often accompanies such landscapes, as well as the resilience and determination of the people who inhabit them. As the book progresses, Hollis takes us on a journey through the cardinal points, exploring the diverse landscapes and cultures of the British Isles. From the wide skies of the east, where he contemplates the cycles of nature and the passage of time, to the bustling streets of a southern city, where he explores the human impact on the environment, Hollis offers a rich and nuanced portrayal of the region.

One of the most striking aspects of Earth House is Hollis' ability to blend the ancient and the contemporary. He draws upon the rich tapestry of myth, legend, and folklore that permeates the British Isles, incorporating elements from Anglo-Saxon verse, Norse and Celtic myth, and classical thought into his poetry. These influences add depth and richness to his work, creating a sense of timelessness and universal resonance. Hollis' poetry is also deeply attuned to the rhythms of the turning world. He captures the ebb and flow of seasons, the cycles of birth and death, and the interconnectedness of all things. His poems evoke a sense of awe and wonder, reminding us of the vastness and complexity of our planet.

Through his poetry, Hollis invites us to contemplate the transformative phases of nature and the profound impact they have on our lives. He explores the cycles of renewal and destruction, the interdependence of humans and the environment, and the delicate balance between humanity and our natural world. Earth House is a testament to Hollis' poetic prowess and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in a way that is both accessible and profound. It is a book that will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds, offering a glimpse into the beauty and complexity of our world and inspiring us to appreciate the interconnectedness of all things.

In conclusion, Earth House is a quietly magnificent book that delves into the landscape, language, and ecology of the British and Irish Isles, exploring how our most intimate moments resonate with the broader world. Through his poetic lens, Matthew Hollis offers a captivating meditation on time and the transformative phases of nature, drawing upon a myriad of forces to create a rich and nuanced portrayal of the region. The book is a testament to Hollis' poetic prowess and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in a way that is both accessible and profound. It is a book that will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds, offering a glimpse into the beauty and complexity of our world and inspiring us to appreciate the interconnectedness of all things.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 146 x 225 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781780375625