English Nettles

The first edition of English Nettles brought together poems Peter Robinson began writing on his return to England after many years living in Japan. The twenty-three works, evocatively illustrated by Sally Castle, show the poet’s ability to catch at fleeting landscapes and moments as, discovering Reading, he reacquainted himself with his native land. The poems celebrate his collaboration with the artist in their tribute to the place in which he came to settle. This beautifully redesigned new edition brings the book back into print, and includes an additional poem and illustration.

Running through their lines like the town’s two arteries are oblique reflections on the meaning of home, the nature of money, work, love, death, and parenthood. Approachable yet inexhaustible, Peter Robinson’s poetry welcomes readers and promises rewards that can be kept.

A Two Rivers Press illustrated classic.

‘… the finest poet of his generation’ – PN Review ‘Robinson is at his best when describing the strangeness of marginalia such as … “a creosoted shed / with ivy bursting through its boards” … where time is distorted and realigned like perspectives in a mirror so that a return “home” feels as strange as being in a foreign country’ – Poetry London ‘… a major English poet’ – Poetry Review

Author Biography

Peter Robinson was born in Salford, Lancashire, in 1953 and grew up mainly in Liverpool. After teaching for many years in Japan, he returned to Europe in 2007 and is currently Professor of English and American Literature at the University of Reading. The poetry editor for Two Rivers Press, author of many books of poetry, translations, prose fiction, and literary criticism, he has been awarded the Cheltenham Prize, the John Florio Prize, and two Poetry Book Society Recommendations. Sally Castle has designed covers and illustrated over thirty books for Two Rivers Press. She has a reputation for original hand lettering, and a particular interest in linocut printmaking, environmental lettering and mixed media artwork. Notable public work includes the Walking Words panels at Chatham Place in Reading and the Forbury Square stone, also in Reading. As well as commissioned work, her experimental lettering and paintings are regularly exhibited in galleries and exhibitions.