Hollow Palaces: An Anthology of Modern Country House Poems

The 'country house poem' was born in the 17th century but faded when the landed classes lost power. This anthology is the first complete collection of modern country house poems, offering fascinating perspectives on stately exteriors, interiors, gardens, crumbling ruins, and the extraordinary secrets they hide. The poems are elegiac, but also contain comedy, satire, and Gothic strains.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2023
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

The 'country house poem' emerged in the seventeenth century as a means of captivating potential patrons, but its popularity waned coinciding with the rise of 'country house society.' It wasn't until the power and influence of the landed classes had diminished significantly that poets revisited this theme, perhaps drawn to the allure of derelict buildings and their often personal histories. This comprehensive anthology represents the first collection of modern country house poems, showcasing the profound impact that poetry can have on the souls of these architectural wonders.

Over 160 distinguished poets, representing a diverse range of class, race, gender, and generation, offer captivating perspectives on stately exteriors, interiors, gardens, crumbling ruins, and the extraordinary secrets they hold. The voices heard in Hollow Palaces are diverse, encompassing Edith Sitwell's recreation of her childhood, W. B. Yeats and Wendy Cope's contemplation of Lissadell, and Simon Armitage's laborer's encounter with the Lady who possesses 'the lot.' The book's dominant tone is elegiac, yet comedy, satire, and even traces of Gothic can be discerned among these potent reflections.

Hollow Palaces serves as a poignant reminder of how poets can be remarkably insightful guides to profound societal shifts. Through their poetic lens, they capture the essence of these historic buildings and the people who have inhabited them, offering a unique and profound understanding of the past and the present. The book is beautifully illustrated by Rosie Greening, adding an additional layer of visual richness to the literary experience.

Weight: 696g
Dimension: 157 x 236 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781837644353