Publisher's synopsis

This volume contains the best and most characteristic of a lifetime’s work by one of Australia’s leading poets and critics. Hope’s classical approach to verse form and subject matter, his unblushing exploration of erotic themes, his lucid language and striking images are strongly evident in the poems selected.

Prose selections include items from Hope’s notebooks, his notorious reviews of Patrick White and other well-known authors, and essays illuminating his insight into poetics and the nature of poetry. The poems and prose have been selected by David Brooks, the most experienced editor of Hope’s work. They include items published in this volume for the first time, alongside many others already familiar to a large audience.