Selected Poems

By Linton Kwesi Johnson | Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

About the book

Now including an afterword and new poems by the author and an introduction by Gary Younge

Pioneering poet Linton Kwesi Johnson has revolutionized English literature with his electrifying fusion of oral verse, Jamaican speech, radical politics and reggae rhythms. This new edition of a vital selection of poems covers over four decades and includes classic early poems such as 'Inglan is a Bitch', 'New Craas Massakah' and 'Sonny's Lettah', as well as compelling recent work.

'Linton Kwesi Johnson's impact on the cultural landscape over the last half-century has been colossal and multi-generational . . . His political ferocity and his tireless scrutiny of history are truly Pinteresque, as is the humour with which he pursues them' Guardian

'A warrior wordsmith whose couplets take no prisoners' The Times

'Linton Kwesi Johnson's body of work - the sheer length, breadth, depth, politics, performance, rhyme and reason of it - bears witness to a lifetime of lending lyrical form to a condition that Britain has proved unable or unwilling (or both) to name' Gary Younge

Editions of Selected Poems

Paperback
ISBN 9780241994115
Paperback
ISBN 9780141025018
EBook
ISBN 9780141941370

Read an Excerpt

Now including an afterword and new poems by the author and an introduction by Gary Younge

Pioneering poet Linton Kwesi Johnson has revolutionized English literature with his electrifying fusion of oral verse, Jamaican speech, radical politics and reggae rhythms. This new edition of a vital selection of poems covers over four decades and includes classic early poems such as 'Inglan is a Bitch', 'New Craas Massakah' and 'Sonny's Lettah', as well as compelling recent work.

'Linton Kwesi Johnson's impact on the cultural landscape over the last half-century has been colossal and multi-generational . . . His political ferocity and his tireless scrutiny of history are truly Pinteresque, as is the humour with which he pursues them' Guardian

'A warrior wordsmith whose couplets take no prisoners' The Times

'Linton Kwesi Johnson's body of work - the sheer length, breadth, depth, politics, performance, rhyme and reason of it - bears witness to a lifetime of lending lyrical form to a condition that Britain has proved unable or unwilling (or both) to name' Gary Younge

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Selected Poems about?

Now including an afterword and new poems by the author and an introduction by Gary Younge

Pioneering poet Linton Kwesi Johnson has revolutionized English literature with his electrifying fusion of oral verse, Jamaican speech, radical politics and reggae rhythms. This new edition of a vital selection of poems covers over four decades and includes classic early poems such as 'Inglan is a Bitch', 'New Craas Massakah' and 'Sonny's Lettah', as well as compelling recent work.

'Linton Kwesi Johnson's impact on the cultural landscape over the last half-century has been colossal and multi-generational . . . His political ferocity and his tireless scrutiny of history are truly Pinteresque, as is the humour with which he pursues them' Guardian

'A warrior wordsmith whose couplets take no prisoners' The Times

'Linton Kwesi Johnson's body of work - the sheer length, breadth, depth, politics, performance, rhyme and reason of it - bears witness to a lifetime of lending lyrical form to a condition that Britain has proved unable or unwilling (or both) to name' Gary Younge

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Selected Poems?

Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Poetry / Poems > Poetry / poems by individual poets

Where can I read a sample of Selected Poems?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780241994115

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Selected Poems?

Linton Kwesi Johnson

Who is the Publisher of the book Selected Poems?

Penguin Books Ltd

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Selected Poems is available as paperback(ISBN 9780241994115) and paperback(ISBN 9780141025018) and ebook(ISBN 9780141941370)

Where can I buy Selected Poems online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy Selected Poems?