The Poems of Norman MacCaig

This collection presents a comprehensive look at the works of Norman MacCaig, including both published and previously unpublished poems.

By the time of his passing in January 1996, Norman MacCaig had earned widespread recognition as the grand old man of Scottish poetry, receiving accolades such as an OBE and the Queen's Medal for Poetry. This collection, The Poems of Norman MacCaig, features an impressive 778 poems, showcasing the depth and breadth of his literary contributions.

This definitive edition of Norman MacCaig's work has been meticulously edited by his son, Ewen. A prolific poet, MacCaig left behind around 600 unpublished poems at the time of his death, and from those, 99 have been thoughtfully selected for inclusion in this volume. The selection process aimed to maintain the high standards of the 1990 Collected Poems, which MacCaig himself compiled. Notably, his creative output did not diminish with age; many of the unpublished poems stem from his seventies and early eighties, enriching his published oeuvre from that era.

An insightful introduction by author and critic Alan Taylor provides context to MacCaig's life and work, offering readers a glimpse into the poet's experiences and influences. Additionally, the collection includes MacCaig's own reflections on writing, both his and that of others, further illuminating the mind behind the poetry. The Poems of Norman MacCaig serves not only as a testament to his legacy but also as an invitation to explore the rich tapestry of his poetic journey.