Gangsters Ghosts & Dragonflies

Sadly neglected on its first appearance, as an Allen & Unwin hardback in 1981, Brian Patten's superb collection of contemporary 'longer' poems makes a welcome re-appearance in paperback from Piccolo. Freshness and invention were the aims of the anthologist, and his selection succeeds admirably in reaching those targets. A comprehensive range of the talents of many of the finest of our living poets is exhibited, making available lively, funny, exciting and often eccentric material, all with the common denominator of accessibility to youngsters. Contributors include Ted Hughes, Vernon Scannell, Kit Wright, Roger McGough, Roald Dahl and Charles Causley among others, plus several of Patten's own poems. All the stale 'old chestnuts' are avoided, and the anthology demonstrates the quality of relevant material that is available for children, especially when the selection is made by one who is sensitive to the taste of the audience. Thoroughly recommended, a random 'dip' will enliven the dullest of poetry lessons, and possibly even whet the appetite for tackling more abstruse longer poems later.