The best and most characteristic of a lifetime's work has been skilfully drawn together by David Brooks, Hope's most experienced editor. There are items published here for the first time, alongside others already familiar to millions. Hope's classical approach to verse form and subject matter, his unblushing exploration of erotic themes, his lucid language and striking images are richly paraded. The prose selections include fascinating material from Hope's notebooks, his notorious reviews of writers like Patrick White, and illuminating essays on poetics and the nature of poetry.
