A Much-Needed Introduction
A Review of
100 Poems
Seamus Heaney
Hardback: FSG Books, 2019
Buy Now: [ Amazon ] [ Kindle ]
Reviewed by C. Christopher Smith
*** LISTEN to Heaney reading
some of his most beloved poems!
When Irish poet Seamus Heaney died six years ago, he left behind a substantial body of work, including twelve individual volumes, three volumes of selected poems, and several noted translations of poetic works. Although he discussed an introductory volume of his selected poems with his editor, that volume never came to fruition during his lifetime. As undoubtedly the greatest Irish poet of the last century, and one of the most heralded global poets, an introductory collection of his work was notably missing.
In the intervening years since his death, his wife and three children endeavored to fill this gap, and the newly released 100 Poems is the fruit of their labors. In a brief introductory note, the family expresses the hope that “everyone will find something here to cherish or be surprised by: that a newcomer will enjoy reading these poems for the first time, and that the long-time devotee might rediscover a forgotten favourite or simply listen again to the poetic voice as it changes and matures over the course of years.”
100 Poems contains many of Heaney’s most familiar poems – including the three initial poems in the collection, “Digging,” “Death of a Naturalist,” and “Blackberry-Picking” – (a full list of all 100 poems is available through the Look Inside feature on Amazon ) and as such this volume is primed to become the gold standard for introducing students and other poetry lovers to Heaney’s work. It offers just enough of a taste of Heaney’s finest poems that readers will want to dig deeper into his body of work.
If you aren’t familiar with Heaney’s poetry, 100 Poems offers you a superb place to dive in; if you are already a fan of his work, this volume presents a simple and affordable way to share your love for Heaney’s work with those who have not yet been immersed in it.
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C. Christopher Smith is the founding editor of The Englewood Review of Books. He has authored a number of books including Reading for the Common Good, and most recently How the Body of Christ Talks.
C. Christopher Smith is the founding editor of The Englewood Review of Books. He is also author of a number of books, including most recently How the Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church (Brazos Press, 2019). Connect with him online at: C-Christopher-Smith.com
 Reading for the Common Good From ERB Editor Christopher Smith "This book will inspire, motivate and challenge anyone who cares a whit about the written word, the world of ideas, the shape of our communities and the life of the church." -Karen Swallow Prior Enter your email below to sign up for our weekly newsletter & download your FREE copy of this ebook! |
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