Poetry review – ANXIOUS CORPORALS: Paul McDonald praises the delightful anti-capitalist riffing in Alan Morrison’s ‘essay in verse’
politics
CLOSING TIME AT THE ROYAL OAK: Richie McCaffery admires the way that John Lucas has embedded perceptive social observation in a history of his local pub
POEMS FOR THE YEAR 2020: Neil Fulwood surveys a well-timed selection of poems reflecting a complex year, well-curated by Merryn Williams
Poetry review – The Sailors of Ulm: Neil Fulwood marvels that the bizarre workings of Andy Croft’s imagination can be contained within such well-crafted formalism
Her Other Language: Wendy French gets to grips with a bold and frank anthology addressing domestic violence
Virgin & Child: Michael Bartholomew-Biggs is intrigued by a new novel by Maggie Hamand in which a theological conundrum leads to tension – and ultimately violence – within the Vatican
The Ugly Side of Beauty. Connie Woodring discusses the downside of our beauty culture as it relates to women’s physical/mental health and safety.
Social Solidarity and the Arts in Woke Times: Michael Crowley advocates against an ever-increasing subdivision of the arts into racial, age-related or gender groups for a similar audience
David Mitchell reviews A History of Water in the Middle East at the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs at the Royal Court
Stuart Henson wonders about the title but in other respects finds that the sharp-pointed humour in Ian McMillan’s new chapbook penetrates most of its targets.
Stuart Henson recommends a budgie’s-eye view of Brexit as set down by John Gohorry
A study of political murders that destroyed Gladstone’s efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Irish problem.
By Barbara Lewis • books, history, politics, year 2021 • Tags: Barbara Lewis, books, history, politics