Fire of Joy: Roughly 80 Poems to Get by Heart and Say Aloud

Clive James' The Fire of Joy is a collection of his favorite poems, accompanied by personal commentary. The book reflects his final journey of recollection and celebration, inspiring readers to discover and learn poetry. James' commentary offers insights into the poems' historical and critical context, as well as personal anecdotes about their impact on his life. The book is a testament to James' enthusiasm for poetry and his desire to share his love for it with a new generation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2020
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Clive James, a renowned poet, broadcaster, and author, dedicated much of his life to reading, learning, and reciting poetry aloud. In his final book, completed before his passing, James presents a captivating collection of his beloved poems accompanied by personal commentary on each piece. This remarkable work serves as a testament to his enduring passion for poetry.

In the final months of his life, Clive James faced the challenge of vision impairment due to surgery, rendering him unable to read. However, his love for poetry remained unwavering. Instead, he embarked on a remarkable journey within his mind, revisiting the poems he had known and cherished for decades. These poems were so ingrained in his memory that he found it impossible to forget them. The result is a captivating anthology titled "The Fire of Joy," which captures the essence of James's final recollection and celebration.

Throughout his life, Clive James was captivated by poetry, memorizing hundreds of poems by heart. His aim in offering this selection of his favorites is to inspire readers to discover and learn poetry, perhaps even reciting it aloud. The anthology spans a wide range of poetic styles, from the sixteenth century to the present, offering a diverse range of voices and themes.

In his commentary on each poem, James delves into various aspects. He provides historical and critical insights, sharing his knowledge of the poem and its author. He also offers technical details about the poem's construction, drawing from his own experience as a poet. Additionally, James shares personal anecdotes about how the poem has played a significant role in his own life. These chatty, unpretentious, and often tender mini-essays convey the joy and benefit of James's enthusiasm and knowledge. His urgent wish was to share with a new generation the profound love he had for poetry.

"The Fire of Joy" is a book that can be approached in two ways. It can be savored cover to cover, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of words and emotions. Alternatively, it can be dipped into, offering delightful moments of inspiration and contemplation whenever desired. Regardless of the approach, this book generously opens up a world of delight, inviting readers to explore the beauty and power of poetry.

Clive James, a multifaceted talent, was a broadcaster, critic, poet, memoirist, and novelist. His profound appreciation for poetry and his ability to convey its essence to others have left an indelible mark on the literary world. "The Fire of Joy" serves as a joyous farewell to James, a testament to his enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on the lives of countless readers.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 138 x 206 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529042085