Turnpike Books

Seamus Heaney’s poems for a darkening age | The Observer Collected in a landmark new edition, the late Irish writer’s work is attuned to wonder, replete with humanity and rooted in the tragedies of history

This @fotoole.bsky.social piece is one of the best things I have ever read in a newspaper.

observer.co.uk/culture/book...

Some of Dame Iris's later poems are great. Moving, intimate descriptions of nature, she's especially fond of birds, and moments of marital contentment). Her earlier poems are more academic.

Cahal Dallat reviews 'A Benedict Kiely Reader' here: 'brims with wit, philosophy and anecdote, with Joycean recall of detail and with a historical sensitivity to place and people that is central to his enduring appeal.'

It's always good to see a new edition of a Brian Moore novel.

His novels often have an element of fantasy, including 'Cold Heaven', where Marie's husband disappears on holiday. But is it a disappearance or a miracle?

Very sad news. Generations of students benefited from his kindness.

He was not only a wonderful poet (especially of the Irish landscape) but he also worked for many years for the Arts Council, supporting and promoting other writers.

A Benedict Kiely Reader has an extract from his biography of William Carleton exploring Carleton's youth:

'He was born into an unfortunate country at a terrible chaotic time, and on that wintry night he had came up against one of the things that made the country unfortunate: bigotry, bitterness.'

I have a list of out of print Brian Moore novels that I would like to re-publish. It may be time to start the long process of enquiring about rights. The Colour of Blood may be the most Graham Greene-esque of his novels and the theme is not going to date any time soon.

Well, this is worth reading. Some titles that were shortlisted for the Booker Prize and should be better known.

Including my favourite Brian Moore novel, 'The Doctor's Wife'. A dreadful warning of what might happen if you are from Northern Ireland and come to realise that sex can be enjoyable.

@neilhegarty.bsky.social reviews 'A Benedict Kiely Reader' in today's Irish Times: 'There is generosity here, knowledge, historical and political insight, bubbling wit... this is Benedict Kiely's legacy, sounding through this excellent collection in bell-clear tones.'

Hello, Turnpike Books publishes new editions of classic Northern Irish writers as well as writers such as Barbara Comyns, J.B. Priestley and Douglas Dunn.

Thanks Alan. Much appreciated.

Hello, just joined. Publisher of, mainly Northern Irish writers. Latest book is 'A Benedict Kiely Reader' containing Kiely's acclaimed memoir 'Drink to the Bird' and a selection of his literary essays on William Carleton and W.B. Yeats to Brendan Behan, Patrick Kavanagh and Seamus Heaney.