| Synopsis: |
Taking its tide from one of Paul Durcan's most famous poems, this is a vital and significant assessment of one of Ireland's best contemporary poets. Over the past twenty years he has become an essential presence in Irish life. His poems have ranged from risk-taking explorations along the tragi-comic fault lines in contemporary Ireland to brave and painful studies of the private self. Over this same period his best-selling poetry collections, together with his legendary readings and collaborations with musicians (most notably, Van Morrison) around the world, have made him a truly international figure. Many of his vivid characterizations are of women, and "The Haulier's Wife Meets Jesus on the Road Near Moone" has been cited by many as the strongest feminist poem yet written in Ireland. This collection of ten essays includes an analysis of his relationship with the political world he inhabits, a study of the connection between his own background and his poetic vision, and a critical evaluation of the essential themes which underpin his extraordinary body of work. Among the contributors are Eamon Grennan, Edna Longley, Derek Mahon, Peggy O'Brien, and Fintan O'Toole. |