Noctuary

In his second collection of poems, Niall Campbell explores the late hours, reflecting on his role as a young father and reconnecting with his childhood on South Uist in the Outer Hebrides. The poems depict a night world of disturbed sleep, midnight feeds, and the quiet of snowfall, while also revealing the grown man's inner thoughts and emotions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 64 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2019
Publisher: Bloodaxe Books Ltd

A noctuary serves as a diary for the late hours, a time for reflection, introspection, and discovering the profound essence of being a young father. In the poetic realm of Niall Campbell, this is a period of profound connection, where the poet delves into the intricacies of anxiety, care, protection, and the overwhelming love for a new, precious life. Through his deftly lyrical poems, Campbell paints a vivid picture of a night world filled with disturbed sleep, half-dreams, midnight feeds, and the serene beauty of snowfall during the hours of darkness. Simultaneously, the grown man, now residing in the city, reconnects with his own childhood on South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, the territory that inspired his highly acclaimed first collection, Moontide. As he hears his father's voice calling out to his son, other images of the islands' seascapes, myths, and wildlife flood back, creating a tapestry of memories and emotions in the sanctuary of his mind.

Noctuary is a testament to Campbell's poetic prowess, as it was shortlisted for the prestigious 2019 Forward Prize for Best Collection. This recognition further showcases the depth and significance of his work, resonating with readers and critics alike. In the pages of Noctuary, Campbell invites us to explore the complexities of fatherhood, the beauty of nature, and the enduring power of memory. Through his words, he creates a sanctuary of contemplation, offering a glimpse into the human experience and inviting us to reflect on the profound connections we share with the world around us.

Weight: 112g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 5 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781780374659