Poems, Stories and Writings

Margaret Tait (1918–1999) was a pioneering filmmaker who believed that words and images could make the world real. Sarah Neely has collected Tait's writing, including her poetry collections, short stories, magazine articles, and unpublished notebooks, in a collection that explores her life and work in the context of mid-twentieth-century Scottish culture.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Carcanet Press Ltd

Margaret Tait, a pioneering filmmaker of the 20th century, believed that words and images had the power to bring the world to life. In a documentary, she expressed her belief that real things lose their essence when captured on film, lacking the poetic touch that poetry possesses. For Tait, film was a poetic medium, and her poems were crafted works of observation that offered a unique and independent vision of the world. Through her poetry, Tait aimed to make seeing a transformative experience for her readers.

Sarah Neely, a Professor in the Department of Theatre, Film, and Television Studies at the University of Glasgow, has compiled a comprehensive collection of Margaret Tait's writing, encompassing her three poetry collections, a book of short stories, magazine articles, and unpublished notebooks. In her introduction, Neely explores Tait's role as a filmmaker and writer within the context of mid-twentieth-century Scottish culture. Additionally, a comprehensive list of bibliographic and film resources is provided, making it an invaluable guide for those seeking to delve deeper into Tait's work.

Margaret Tait's poetry is characterized by its generosity and independence of vision. She sought to capture the essence of the world around her, using her words to evoke emotions and create vivid imagery. Her poems are filled with sensory details and sensory language, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the world she describes. Whether it's the rustling of leaves in the wind or the taste of a ripe peach, Tait's poetry brings the reader closer to the natural world and encourages them to appreciate its beauty.

One of the standout features of Tait's poetry is her ability to capture the essence of everyday objects and experiences. In her poem "The Window," for example, she describes a window as "a square of light / That opens and shuts with the day." Through this simple yet powerful description, Tait brings the window to life, making it seem like a living entity that interacts with the world around it. This ability to find beauty in the ordinary is a hallmark of Tait's writing, and it has made her work resonate with readers for generations.

In addition to her poetry, Margaret Tait was also a talented short story writer. Her book of short stories, "The Dark Room," is a collection of tales that explore the darker aspects of human nature and the human condition. Tait's stories are filled with complex characters and intricate plotlines, and they often delve into themes of love, loss, and redemption. Through her writing, Tait offers a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of the human experience, and her stories have been praised for their depth and complexity.

Margaret Tait's influence on the world of literature and film cannot be overstated. Her pioneering work as a filmmaker and her unique perspective on the world have inspired countless artists and writers. Her poetry and short stories continue to be studied and celebrated, and her legacy as a writer and filmmaker will continue to be felt for years to come.

In conclusion, Margaret Tait was a pioneering filmmaker and poet whose words and images brought the world to life. Through her poetry, Tait offered a unique and independent vision of the world, capturing the essence of everyday objects and experiences. Her work was characterized by its generosity and independence of vision, and it has left a lasting impact on the world of literature and film. Sarah Neely's comprehensive collection of Tait's writing makes her work more accessible to a wider audience, and it is a testament to the enduring legacy of this remarkable artist.

Weight: 256g
Dimension: 216 x 135 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800173798
Edition number: 2 New edition