New Perspectives on Gillian Clarke

This is the first book-length study of the poetry and journal writings of Gillian Clarke in their entirety; it is the first extensive examination of her work published in this century, and the first full account of how her work has developed in the course of her career as a writer and teacher. In addressing timely and highly relevant themes that have been generally overlooked until now, the book highlights and re-examines Clarke's importance for today’s readers. Discussing the energy, subtlety and
originality of her works, the author commends Clarke as an innovative, politically-alert and scientifically- and cosmologically-aware Welsh writer of global significance.

‘From her first publication in 1970 to the present day, few poets have contributed as much as Gillian Clarke to Welsh writing in English. A thorough-going critical account of her accomplishment has been much needed, and here, at last, we have it. Linden Peach’s detailed analysis traces her journey from the pioneering feminist poems of the 1970s to her later work on climate change, cosmogenesis and pacificism. Throughout, her rootedness within Welsh culture is emphasised in a volume which constitutes a vital read for all those concerned with the development of contemporary poetry.’
Jane Aaron, Emeritus Professor, University of South Wales