A Vertical Art by Simon Armitage
Above all, these are personal essays that enquire into the volatile and disputed definitions of poetry from the point of view of a dedicated reader, a practising writer and a lifelong champion of its power and potential.
‘[Armitage] blended his down-to-earth, often flippant demeanour with a brilliantly understated, original and captivating address, which never strayed into pretentiousness or self-importance.’ Oxford Culture Review
‘Armitage is that rare beast: a poet whose work is ambitious, accomplished and complex as well as popular.’ Sunday Telegraph
‘Our best living poet.’ Evening Standard
‘Armitage’s poetic world is instantly recognisable, always inclusive . . . Mature, engaging and empathetic work.’ New Statesman‘Armitage looks outwards not inwards, which is probably key to his well-deserved popularity.’ Daily Mail
‘Among Armitage’s talents has always been his ability to set up easy-going conversational rhythms, then use them to power through difficult material.’ Guardian
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