Leaves and Limnings by Philip Quinlan and Annie Ovenden
 

Philip Quinlan doesn't know that I am writing this but after some thought I decided it should be done.

I have just read and admired his beautifully produced book of English nature poems which is illustrated by the English landscape artist, Annie Ovenden.

Philip is also a musician and it shows in his balancing of sounds, tension and pace. I felt as though I were experiencing a song-cycle as one poem pulled me into the next. The moody illustrations almost act as an accompaniment. The poems are intensely English. The language is economical and controlled but there is plenty of passion. It's impossible not to think of Houseman (to whom one poem is dedicated). Another is dedicated to Laurie Lee. Another to Walter de la Mare. Another to John Masefield. They are a celebration of humanity in a landscape. Intensely physical and mobile. They are never maudlin and always a little wild in spirit. A beautiful experience all together.

The book is published by the VerbFori Press. It is a limited edition.

Could I just thank Janet for mentioning this here.

Modesty would ordinarily forbid my entering the thread but I need just to clarify that, regretably, theverbfori press is defunct.

The books are available via Annie's agent, however:

Mary Elliot
http://www.twenty-twenty.co.uk/

Anyone interested in seeing Annie's work micght like to look at

http://ruralists.com/artists/annieovenden

or

www.wbao.co.uk

Just to avoid charges of self-puffery may I mention that any profit on this limited edition due to me is to be donated to The British Heart Foundation.

Thanks again, Janet

Philp

Thanks Janet and Philip.

I have a question to Philip. I found previously but cannot remember now (and can't find it again) the poem for which (I assumed) VerbFor! was named.

Please joggle my memory. I enjoyed the poem very much, and being half-senile, would likely enjoy it very much again if I could find it.

Janice

It is called "Losing a Language" by William Merwin

Philip

Oh - and see my thread "The Perfect Poem" on MOM for another of his gooduns!