Dances Learned Last Night: Poems, 1975-1995

Dances Learned Last Night gathers together two decades of Michael Donaghy’s poetry in one volume, and includes several previously uncollected pieces.

Uncompromisingly intelligent, Donaghy is often described as a `modern metaphysical’, though his range has always been far broader. Here the reader will find an array of masks and voices that fit for quick changes – songs of desire and loss back to back with spring-loaded jokes and chinese-box riddles. From all this Donaghy emerges as that rarest of beasts: a poet who is genuinely extending the tradition.

`Among the finest poets of his generation’ Robert McPhillips

`The artistry of Donaghy’s worl seems to me exemplary’ Sean O’Brien

`The fine-tuned precision of a twelve-speed bike’ Alfred Corn