Overview

John Kinsella explores a contemporary poetics and pedagogy as it emerges from his reflections on his own writing and teaching, and on the work of other poets, particularly contemporary writers with which he feels some affinity.

Core Themes

At the heart of the book is Kinsella's attempt to elaborate his vision of a species of pastoral that is adequate to a globalised world (Kinsella himself writes and teaches in the USA, the UK and his native Australia), and an environmentally and politically just poetry.

Autobiographical Element

The book has an important autobiographical element, as Kinsella explores the pulse of his poetic imagination through significant moments and passages of his life.

Writing Style

Whilst theoretically informed, the book is accessibly written and highly engaging.