Description
Book SynopsisThe poetry of ideas, a long neglected genre, has now found a vigorous and resourceful champion in Christopher Norris. Hitherto best known as philosopher and literary theorist, he has treated that genre to a full-scale modern revival of singular scope and ambition. His poems combine intellectual agility with a verse-music both keen-eared and frequently haunting. This latest collection sees Norris at the top of his bent as lyric poet, poet-philosopher, verse-essayist, political satirist, social commentator, and skilful re-worker of traditional verse-forms to suit contemporary contexts and concerns. It exhibits all the wit and erudition that readers will have come to expect, along with a marked broadening of purview and heightened stylistic virtuosity. These poems engage with topics ranging from the personal (though never private-confessional) to the deeply enquiring (though never abstruse) and the forcefully political (though never excluding issues that transcend the narrowly partisan). Above all they make the case for viewing rhyme, meter, and prosodic structure as intrinsically a part of verse-practice and a source of everything that is most distinctive and valuable in poetry.
Trade ReviewChristopher Norris is one of the most erudite, original and adventurous English-language poets of our time. -- Terry Eagleton, Distinguished Professor of English Literature, University of Lancaster
Chris Norriss revival of the verse-essay and verse-monologue is a rich feast of wit, erudition, and inventiveness, nicely spiced with hard-hitting satire, caustic humour, and touches of lyrical affection. Here is a distinctive poetic voice, comfortable in its medium, unflaggingly readable, offering hours of pleasure and reflection. A true delight! -- Peter Lamarque, Professor of Philosophy, University of York
