Synopsis
The Review of Contemporary Poetry has been published to meet two aims. The first, to raise funds for The Stroke Association, a charity that supports the victims and families of those that have suffered a stroke. Until you see the effects of a stroke at first hand it is hard to imagine the pain, suffering and frustration they cause, and The Stroke Association are at the forefront of those that try to bring support and comfort to the most affected. Helping them is a truly worthy objective. The second aim for the book, and perhaps what makes this more than yet another charity book, is that we have tried to capture a snapshot of the poetry that is being written in the 'here and now'. Not to simply highlight the poetry written by the famous and great poets that are practising their art today, although many of the acknowledged cream of contemporary poetry are included, but also the small press poets, the lesser known names and indeed, some poets who have been victims of strokes themselves.
That said, there is no theme to this anthology, other than that, in editing the book, Gary Bills has selected the very best of the work that was 'donated' to the cause, choosing 79 poems from over a thousand submitted. The anthology includes a great cross-section of today's poetry, matching Andrew Motion with Peter Bond, Alan Brownjohn with Thelma Laycock, Brian Patten with Eileen Carney Hulme, Al Alvarez with Oz Hardwick, Penelope Shuttle with Jacob Polley, Leontia Flynn with Moniza Alvi, Kevin Bailey with Matt Simpson with David Turner with Geoff Stevens with Maurice Riordan with Harry Guest and all, with many many more. This is an egalitarian collection of poetic talent, joining together to do something special. This is a special book that you should buy.
