In this book, James has chosen a succession of English
poems, exploding in sequence from Chaucer to the present
day; they tell the story of someone writing something
wonderful, and someone else coming along, reading it, and
feeling impelled to write something even more wonderful.
As well as his selection of poems, James offers a commentary
on each: whether this is a biographical, historical or critical
introduction to the poem, or a more personal anecdote about
the role a particular poem has played in James's life, these
mini essays provide the joy of James's enthusiasm and the
benefit of his knowledge. Full of the flashing fires of poems
you will not be able to forget, this book will ignite your
passion and leave you with a contagious crackle rattling in
your ears.


Clive James was the multi-million-copy bestselling author of more than forty books. His poetry collection Sentenced to Life and his translation of Dante's The Divine Comedy were both Sunday Times top ten bestsellers, and his collections of verse were shortlisted for many prizes. In 2012 he was appointed CBE and in 2013 an Officer of the Order of Australia. He died in 2019.