V. A poem. (INSCRIBED)

TONY HARRISON.

Published by Bloodaxe Books, Newcastle upon Tyne, 1989

About this Item

The second edition, considerably expanded to include an essay from the founder of the publishing house, an essay from Richard Eyre who directed the 1987 film version of the poem, and 41 pages reproducing press articles covering the controversy surrounding that broadcast. This copy inscribed by the author on the title page: "For Trish [Montemuro] love Tony, NT 1990 xx" with the 'V' from the title here incorporated into the word 'Love'. Slim 8vo. 80pp. Publisher's glossy card wrappers, very lightly rubbed. A very good copy of the expanded second edition of Harrison's wonderful poem, here inscribed to his great friend and National Theatre colleague Trish Montemuro. Richard Eyre's film adaption of the poem was shown on Channel Four in November 1987. Prior to the broadcast the press were openly hostile, and a group of Conservative MPs entered an early day motion to the House on "Television Obscenity". All very 1980s and all very Tory. My own personal favourite part of the furore was after Tory MP Gerald Howarth claimed Harrison was "probably another bolshie poet wishing to impose his frustrations on the rest of us", to which Harrison replied that Howarth was "probably another idiot MP wishing to impose his intellectual limitations on the rest of us". Thirty-four years later a disappointingly similar group of reactionaries, muppets and simpletons gave us Nadine Dorries as Culture Secretary. We probably should have seen that coming. Seller Inventory # SPEX9027

Bibliographic Details

Title: V. A poem. (INSCRIBED)

Publisher: Bloodaxe Books, Newcastle upon Tyne

Publication Date: 1989

Binding: Soft cover

Condition: Very Good

Signed: Inscribed by Author(s)

Edition: 2nd Edition