Exile and Other Poems

This poignant collection reflects on the aftermath of war through powerful imagery and personal experiences. Exile and Other Poems is a compelling exploration of trauma and healing.

Originally published in 1923, Exile and Other Poems stands as a significant and moving collection from one of the leading Imagist poets of the war era. Written in the aftermath of the First World War, Aldington's poetry captures the raw emotions and brutal realities faced by soldiers on the frontlines. His unflinching verse reveals the deep scars left by war, laying bare the unimaginable experiences that haunt those who survived.

The opening section, 'Exile', delves into the poet's feelings of survivor's guilt, the struggles of post-traumatic stress, and an overwhelming sense of alienation. These themes resonate throughout the collection, reflecting the profound impact of war on the human psyche. Following this poignant exploration, the collection features 'Songs for Puritans' and 'Songs for Sensualists', which are clever pastiches of love poetry from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, offering a contrast to the earlier themes.

Additionally, the collection includes a series of personal poems that celebrate the natural world, providing Aldington with a source of solace amidst the chaos. This centenary edition of Exile and Other Poems is enhanced by a thoughtful introduction and notes from esteemed scholars Elizabeth Vandiver and Vivien Whelpton, aiming to reestablish the work's significance in the canon of war poetry, where it has long been overlooked.