WINNER OF THE 2014 IRISH BOOK LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDCries of an Irish Caveman is Paul Durcan's most inspired and surprising collection of poems. The first section describes an experience in Australia which provides a starting point for reassessing his past relationships and loves.
Paul Durcan's poetry captures the essence of Ireland's experiences, blending satire with heartfelt celebration. His works, starting from his debut in 1967, reflect the country's fortunes and misfortunes, showcasing his evolution as a poet. Notable collections include Daddy, Daddy, which won the Whitbread Poetry Award, and Crazy about Women. Durcan's impactful readings and collaborations, such as with Brian Lynch in Endsville, demonstrate the timeless relevance of his literary contributions, echoing Ezra Pound's belief that literature remains enduringly significant.
Combining elements of autobiography, opinion, and reflection, this collection presents Paul Durcan's insights and experiences for the first time. The work serves as both a defense and an accusation, offering a unique perspective on the author's life and thoughts. Through a blend of personal narrative and critical commentary, readers are invited to explore Durcan's multifaceted views and the complexities of his journey.
Paul Durcan's twenty-second collection finds Monsieur le Poete on the road in Paris, New York City, Chicago, Brisbane, and Achill Island, meditating upon the sanctuary of home and what it means to feel truly at home.
WINNER OF THE 2014 IRISH BOOK LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDPaul Durcan has been at the heart of Irish cultural life for 30 years and his poetry has acquired a huge international following.
The author, Paul Durcan, is a prominent Irish poet born in Dublin in 1944, known for his extensive body of work that includes over twenty poetry collections. His notable titles include The Berlin Wall Café and Daddy, Daddy, which won the Whitbread Award. Durcan's accolades include the Cholmondeley Award and the Lifetime Achievement Irish Book Award. He served as Ireland Professor of Poetry from 2004 to 2007 and received honorary doctorates from Trinity College and University College Dublin. His contributions to poetry reflect a deep engagement with themes of life and identity.
WINNER OF THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IRISH BOOK AWARD 2014Paul Durcan never imagined he would be clasped by a woman again, but life is full of surprises!
For most of us Christmas is the season of huge helpings of good food, good drink, and with luck, good cheer, as the rituals of cracker-pulling, present- giving and happy or sulphurous family reunions fizzle and bang through the long afternoon.
Celebrating the 80th birthday of Paul Durcan, this selection showcases eighty of his finest poems, reflecting his fifty-year exploration of both real and imagined worlds. Deeply rooted in Irish culture, Durcan's work is known for its personal and spiritual depth, engaging readers with its vibrancy and unexpected turns. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of transcending the ego to connect with others, making his poetry both intimate and universal. Edited by Niall MacMonagle and featuring an introduction by Colm Tóibín, this collection highlights Durcan's enduring legacy.
Paul Durcan leads us around the Irish countryside in his "filthy, two-door, bottle-green Opel Astra," stopping off at Westport and Achill Island, where he declares himself to be "globally sad," but "locally glad." Next he travels east to Dublin to hold in his arms his newborn granddaughter and then to Tuscany, Poland, and Japan. Along the way he reflects upon parental pride, the aches and pains of old age, the wisdom of ex-wives, and dogs on the beaches of Dublin Bay, while introducing us to a host of colorful characters, including a bishop, a roofer, a milkman, a priest, and an unmarried mother. Is there an art of living or is life a work of art? This magnificent new collection—published on Paul Durcan's sixtieth birthday—reveals one of Ireland's most successful and popular poets at the height of his powers and continuing to challenge, amuse, and delight.
