Derek Mahon, best known as a poet, has also published a considerable body of prose. Previous work in this line, much of it journalism (feature articles, book reviews), appeared in Journalism (Gallery, 1996) and some is reprinted here, often in extended form; but most is new. ‘Critical’ essays — on Swift, Coleridge, Yeats and Dylan Thomas among others — take pride of place, while autobiographical excursions — ‘Huts and Sheds’, ‘The Poetry Nonsense’, ‘Bowen on the Box’, ‘Indian Ink’ — add an intriguing new dimension. This fascinating and entertaining selection throws fresh light on the work of an important writer.
