Dublin's Other Poetry: Rhymes and Songs of the City

by Wyse Jackson (Editor), Hector McDonnell (Editor)

Dublin's writers rarely remain solemn for their wicked sense of humour has travelled the world. This is an irresistible new anthology of what used to be called ‘comic and curious verse’ about the city, written by some of her most entertaining poets and songwriters. Fashions in verse come and go. Too often we forget – paradoxically – the most memorable works of wit, sarcasm or absurdity. The ones gathered here were written over four centuries, and were inspired by many things – among them love, injustice, history, politics, animals and alcohol, but most of all by the citizens of Dublin themselves. Whether the lines are satirical, sentimental, subversive, sexy or just plain silly, you will find that many of them show a rare seriousness as well. Each poem comes with background information about where it originated, and each page is illuminated by Hector McDonnell’s wonderful, witty drawings.

145 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[claudia v]

Can't believe this gem was right in front of me all along! John owns my favourite bookshop in the world, there's no end to this man's love for literature.

[Peter Langston]

A lovely collection showing the seamy side of the city.