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This new book of poems finds fresh ways of navigating a time of continual surprise and uncertainty. Jack Underwood's debut collection,
Happiness (2015), was celebrated for its unconventional and daring tone: 'conversational, arresting . . . weird, singular' (
Guardian). Such qualities are on accomplished display in this anticipated new collection, as the poems mature and move on to a wide range of preoccupations, including imminent societal collapse and current riots; the limits of masculinity and complexities of fatherhood; as well as uncanny, often amusing scenarios, such as serving drinks to a gathering of fifteen babies or group kissing in Empathy Class. Throughout, incongruous and domestic subjects re-align in skewed lyrics and thought experiments, all presented with a generosity and tenderness that makes the poet so unmistakable - and indispensable for the strange times in which we live.
About the author
Jack Underwood is an award-winning poet, writer and critic. First published as part of the Faber New Poets series in 2009, he is author of two collections of poetry, Happiness (Faber, 2015) and A Year in the New Life (Faber, 2021) and his debut book of non-fiction, Not Even This, was published in 2021 by Corsair. He is Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Summary
Underwood has become one of my favorite poets.' Kaveh AkbarJack Underwood's poetry debut, Happiness (2015), was celebrated for its unconventional and daring tone: 'conversational, arresting .
Foreword
This new book of poems finds fresh, spirited ways of navigating a time of continual surprise and uncertainty.
