Selected Poems

Selected Poems is a collection of John Glenday's work, exploring themes such as the sea, sky, light, spirit, ecologies, transcendent states, and hidden dimensions. It also showcases his love for familial and romantic love, humor, and satire. Glenday shares an obsession with speech, silence, and knowledge boundaries with W.S. Graham and Denise Riley, and his lyric poetry brings us face-to-face with the mystery of our existence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 29 October 2020
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Selected Poems is a compilation of the remarkable work of one of our foremost lyric poets, John Glenday. The book showcases the fundamental themes that have long been associated with Glenday's name, including the sea, the sky; light and its absence; the spirit in the secular age; our natural and human ecologies, their interactions, and their potential for survival in the face of challenges; the transcendent states that arise from the simple contemplation of the earth; the hidden dimensions that lie behind familiar objects; and the mysterious realms and secret lives concealed within their very names.

However, what makes Selected Poems truly remarkable for new readers is the discovery of a poet who excels in familial and romantic love, as well as in sly humor and satire. The book also features work from long-out-of-print early collections, allowing readers to appreciate the evolution of Glenday's voice and style over the years.

One of the striking features of Glenday's poetry is his obsession with speech, silence, and the limits of knowledge. He shares this fascination with W.S. Graham and Denise Riley, and his work explores the energies that flicker along the border between these realms. Glenday's lyricism is direct and pure, inviting us to confront the mystery of our existence and the profound questions that arise from our being here.

Through his poetry, Glenday offers us a glimpse into the complexities of human relationships, the natural world, and the universe. He explores the joys and sorrows of love, the beauty and fragility of nature, and the mysteries of the human psyche. His words are powerful and evocative, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

Selected Poems is a testament to John Glenday's talent and versatility as a poet. It showcases his ability to capture the essence of life in simple yet profound ways, and it continues to inspire and move readers of all ages. Whether you are a seasoned poetry enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of lyricism, this collection is a must-read for anyone seeking to explore the depths of human emotion and the wonders of the universe.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 152 x 196 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529037715