Life on Earth

by Derek Mahon

The publication of a new book of poems by Derek Mahon is a momentous occasion. Life on Earth collects, and adds to, work which has appeared recently in limited editions. It opens with celebrations of notable Coleridge, Chekhov, the novelist Brian Moore. This echo poetry extends to 'Art Notes' on Hopper, de Stael and others, followed by the eco-poetry of the 'Homage to Gaia' sequence on environmental themes. A substantial and positive volume distinguished by its light touch, Life on Earth is the work of a supreme artist."

Genres: Poetry

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Derek Mahon was born in Belfast in 1941, studied at Trinity College, Dublin, and the Sorbonne, and has held journalistic and academic appointments in London and New York. A member of Aosdána, he has received numerous awards including the Irish Academy of Letters Award, the Scott Moncrieff Translation Prize, and Lannan and Guggenheim Fellowships. - See more at: http://www.gallerypress.com/authors/m...

Reviews

[Leif · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every so often I come back to Mahon for his grounded sense of reality but also his erudite flights of fancy and wonder: a cigarette smoking into perfect spirals, endlessly disappearing. And this was one of his better volumes, though of course the collection is best.

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the style and the subjects in this one. My favorites are Ariadne on Naxos, Arts notes 8. Savannah Dock and Homage to Gaia 7. Ode to Björk.

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll admit I skimmed the "art lessons" section until I have the time to read as I look at the subject paintings, but I do enjoy Mahon and want to read more poetry this year going forward