Elizabeth Smither is recognized as one of New Zealand's leading poets. This is a generous selection from eight of Elizabeth Smither's earlier collections, along with 33 new poems. The poems appear mostly in chronological order but some of the new poems occur early in the book; and one or two older ones come later. This order aims to stress the subtle and witty interconnections in Smither's work and its distinctive quality. Although written over a twenty year period, these swift darting poems, with their unexpected insights, form a striking and original whole. Smither is revealed as a very distinguished poet. Poetry readers.