A Living Language

This book features a series of enlightening lectures by poets discussing their craft. A Living Language reveals their insights on poetry's impact and significance.

In A Living Language, a compelling series of public lectures delivered at Newcastle University, prominent poets delve into the intricate craft and practice of poetry. These lectures engage audiences from both the local community and the academic sphere, creating a vibrant dialogue about poetic expression. Published by Bloodaxe, this collection offers readers a unique opportunity to explore the thoughts and insights of contemporary poets on their art form.

David Constantine leads the discussion with his three lectures, each examining essential aspects of poetry. The first lecture, Translation Is Good For You, draws on the life and work of John Keats, exploring how translation can shape a poet’s identity and foster a personal language. In the second lecture, Use and Ornament, he reflects on the dual purpose of poetry through the lens of Bertolt Brecht, emphasizing the balance between utility and the distinct qualities of lyricism, while also considering the works of Wilfred Owen and Keith Douglas.

The final lecture, Poetry of the Present, focuses on the ambitions of free verse as exemplified by Walt Whitman and D.H. Lawrence, aiming to capture the vibrancy of life. Constantine contrasts this with Rainer Maria Rilke's use of structured forms, highlighting the diverse paths poetry can take. Throughout A Living Language, the lectures seek to articulate the positive impacts poetry can have when it successfully fulfills its purpose.