The Poet Who Forgot

by Catherine Cole

'Her bulk of beauty, her stupendous grace Challenged the lion heart in his puny dust.' ---- A.D. Hope was already a world-renowned poet, and Catherine Cole was a young undergraduate student of Australian literature, when a polite note from the student to the poet sparked a lively correspondence between the two that would continue over two decades, until Hope's death in 2000. The Poet Who Forgot uncovers the unique personal friendship that developed between Hope and Cole through the creative dynamics of their mentor/apprentice relationship. Hope's letters reveal the generosity which influenced an emerging writer, while exploring the ways in which we move towards maturity and old age, remembering and forgetting as we travel. The Poet Who Forgot offers supportive and often humorous observations on life, literature, and the writing practice, as well as exciting new perspectives on A.D. Hope's thoughts and considerable literary legacy.

272 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2008

Reviews

[Rory Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Knowing v little about Australian poetry, it was interesting to learn about the 'scene' - the greats of the 20th century - and Cole seamlessly wove discussion of these poets with her own life and journey of reading. I also got a kick out of the descriptions of Balmain and the inner west in the 80s through the eyes of a poet.

[Matthew da Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review of this book in on my blog:

http://happyantipodean.blogspot.com.a...