POEMS FOR THE YEAR 2020: Neil Fulwood surveys a well-timed selection of poems reflecting a complex year, well-curated by Merryn Williams
politics
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
At the end of part one of this article, we saw the arrival of Nellie Cressall on the Isle of Dogs.
Neil Curry indulges in a brief speculation on a recent parallel to a historical moment in the 17th century
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
By Michael Bartholomew-Biggs • books, history, politics, society, year 2021 • Tags: books, history, politics, Richie McCaffery, society