Seamus Heaney- District and Circle*I read this book in one sitting before bed. I couldn't put it down without completion and I challenge you to!
Review: Heaney, an Irish poet, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1995 has come full circle with his latest collection of poems. His writing has spanned a good 40 years starting with his first book Eleven Poems (1965) and his latest District and Circle (2006). The volume includes not only new poetry, but "found prose" and various translations as well. This is by far a treat to the Heaney fan of old. If you haven't read his work yet, you should start with Seamus Heaney: Selected Poems 1966-1987. I first became engrossed with Heaney after reading this book in a college English course and haven't put him down ever since.
On a personal note:
I feel lucky to have had the privilege to hear him speak about his poetry in general and this book in particular, a little less then a year ago at the 92nd Street Y in New York. http://www.92y.org/ He read some of his older poetry which was a real treat and the theater was packed to the gill. I have been going to the Y for a few years now and have seen quite a few artists there and have never had to sit in the balcony for an event other then that night. Wow, what a night and if you ever have the chance to see him live, run, do not walk, you will not be disappointed.
Here are a few links that I have recently checked out about Heaney:
http://www.ibiblio.org/ipa/heaney.php -Internet Poetry Archive
http://irena.blackmill.net/heaney/- The Seamus Heaney Portal
Seamus Heaney - Audio clip at the BBC
Video clip of Seamus Heaney at MIT World
Irish Poets
