Spacecraft Voyager 1

This is an amazing book of poetry, so well crafted, so beautifully written, such depth of thought and intention. I loved it, and the new poems at the end are an indication that somehow this author keeps getting better.

This is a collection specifically designed to introduce the American market to our number one poet. As such there's a lot of work in here that fans of Alice Oswald will be familiar with from her previous collections. But ... and it's a big but ... the end of this collection offers up new work which brings the reader right up to the extraordinary 'Tithonus' (which we await with breathless anticipation for release on AUDIO!) Not the poem Tithonus itself but a poem about Dawn which hums with the prospect of the bigger work. There are also - and I can't wait for this collection - poems about the estuary and landscape of sea/shore which are new (to me) and might suggest the direction Alice Oswald is taking to cross the next tract of her poetic life.I know this review is enthusiastic in the extreme (I promise I'm not a relation!) but honestly, to have a poet of this capability alive and working in English today is something that needs to be celebrated. Especially when her work grows as vigorously as this collection so effectively demonstrates. So, if you're new to this poet then this book will bring you up to date and if you're already familiar with Alice Oswald's power then buy if for 'Mud' alone!

Alice Oswald's poetry never fails to engage and astonish. Her voice is unique and she seems to transport the reader straight to the heart of things. For me, there is always a sense of being taken to a direct apprehension - something I think all the best poets achieve. This selection is an excellent introduction to Oswald and also contains works from the collection 'Dart'.