This gorgeously illustrated collection of poems illuminates and reimagines the ingenious, fragile dwellings of the living creatures around us. Poet Laureate Simon Armitage was inspired to write these poems by the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall, an ambitious restoration project where history and mystery combine. The reawakened landscape with its woods, meadows and 'jungle' offers a bustling, fertile realm for all sorts of creatures to inhabit. Armitage uses elements of riddle and folklore to animate a series of dwellings: the 'twig-and-leaf crow's-nest squat' of a squirrel's drey, a beaver lodge's 'spillikin stave church' and a hive's 'reactor core'. Distinctions between human and animal, natural and cultivated, are blurred, emphasising commonality and creating a vibrant account of 'non-stop stop-motion life'. Dwell warns of the fragility of these spaces and their dwellers, exposed to relentless and sadly familiar environmental threats. Just as a garden provides refuge for wildlife, so do these intricate poems offer lasting homes to those who dwell within their lines. This edition is beautifully illustrated by Beth Munro.
Simon Armitage
Simon Armitage is a British poet, playwright, and novelist known for his accessible and engaging writing style. Some of his most notable works include "The Dead Sea Poems," "Kid," and "The Unaccompanied." Armitage's poetry often explores themes of everyday life, relationships, and the human experience with wit and insight. He has been praised for his ability to blend humor and poignancy in his work. Armitage has made significant contributions to contemporary literature, receiving numerous awards and honors for his writing. His most famous work is perhaps "Out of the Blue," a collection of poems inspired by the events of 9/11. Armitage's impact on the literary genre can be seen through his innovative use of language and his ability to connect with a wide range of readers.
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