River

Ted Hughes's River is a poetic exploration of fluvial landscapes, celebrating their beauty and the life cycles within them, particularly the salmon's journey.

In River, Ted Hughes immerses readers in the beauty and complexity of fluvial landscapes. The collection predominantly features West Country rivers, such as 'The West Dart' and 'Torridge', while also exploring the essence of Japanese and Celtic rivers. One of the standout pieces, 'The Gulkana', takes the reader on a journey through an ancient Alaskan watercourse, showcasing the diverse inspirations that shape Hughes's poetic vision.

Originally published in 1983, River celebrates the life and vitality of rivers, their inhabitants, and their regenerative powers. Hughes's passion for fishing and commitment to environmental activism are evident throughout the poems, which deftly chronicle the cyclical changes of nature as the seasons progress. At the heart of the collection lies the life-cycle of the salmon, which serves as a poignant symbol of resilience and transformation.

This edition of River reprints the revised 1993 text, along with an appendix that includes previously omitted poems from the original sequence. Hughes's evocative language and powerful imagery invite readers to reflect on the intricate relationship between humanity and nature, making this collection a timeless exploration of the natural world and its enduring impact on the human spirit.