This is the 1,600th post at
Eyewear. In the year 1600, the anthologist
Allott published
Englands Parnassus; or, The Choysest Flowers of our Moderne Poets, with their Poeticall Comparisons. And Sumo wrestling began. Let's hope this blog gets to 2,000. Or at least its 5th anniversary!
Dear Todd
ReplyDeleteI have been brooding on Jeffrey Side's remark that it was a 'happy coincidence' that several young poets selected by Roddy Lumsden for Identity Parade were subsequently snapped up by Bloodaxe, Salt and Seren. Of course it was no coincidence at all but simply another egregious example of how the British Poetry Establishment operates. I never cease to be astonished by the fuss surrounding some young poets who have managed to complete one collection when poets like me, who have written ten, are systematically ignored.
Best wishes from Simon
Yes, Simon. It is all to do with the power of influence that operates in UK poetry these days, and perhaps has always done so.
ReplyDeleteI can see no real need for Identity Parade to exist. It seems to be a Bloodaxe marketing exercise, consisting of largely unknown or marginal poets.
No offence intended to these individual poets, by the way. I'm sure they are very nice people.