About the Book

"Dennis O'Driscoll . . . is one of the most interesting poets now writing in English."-Adam Kirsch, "Slate"

Dennis O'Driscoll's poetry is invigorating, grounded, and modern, with an ear attuned to the tragedies and comedies of contemporary life in a "globalized" Ireland. When "Reality Check "was published last year in the United Kingdom, it was named one of the top ten books of 2007 by "The Independent "of London.

O'Driscoll, who tours regularly in the United States, excels at stripping away stereotypes. He incorporates the language of the business world into his poetry, often to comic effect. His job as a civil servant for nearly forty years, "a lifetime's fug of arbitrations, ordinances, inter-agency liaisons," has made him privy to the intricacies of bureaucracy, diplomacy, and commerce, and has given him a knack for transforming timeless themes through "workaday words" and present-day concerns.

"Lean on the green recycle bin
in the yard where roses run amok,
scent intensified by last night's rain . . .
Rest on the laurels of your elbows.
Consent to mind and body going
their ways amicably, a trial separation."

Dennis O'Driscoll, author of ten books, is one of Ireland's most popular poets and critics. According to "Poetry Review," he is "one of the best-read men in the Western world."

Product Details

Media: Paperback Book, 75 pages

Language: English

Publisher: Copper Canyon Press (Sep. 30th, 2008)

ISBN-10: 1556592809

ISBN-13: 9781556592805

Dimensions: 5.90 x 8.70 x 0.30 inches

Shipping Weight: 0.35 lbs

• Categories: English Irish Scottish Welsh Poetry