First published in 1966 this is the debut offering from Seamus Heaney which went on to win numerous awards. The talent was there to see from the start. Simple and observant these are a joy to read.
March 2010 Guest Editor Susan Fletcher on Death of a Naturalist...
I've always loved poetry - and this the volume that started off that love. I was introduced to Heaney at school, studying the title poem from this collection in class. That might have put most people off him, but I loved the poem - and went on to buy this book. I love how he intertwines the natural world with human experience, how he captures a waterfall or the sky over a peninsular, or the sense of unrequited love, as it is - absolutely. I read a line and think, 'that's it! He's got it!' And it's hard not to be wildly impressed with someone who can manage that. And it is his last poem in Death of a Naturalist that speaks to me the most. He says that he "rhymes to see himself, to set the darkness echoing" - and, as a writer, I can understand that sentiment entirely. I have that quote written out, above my desk.
| Primary Genre | Poetry |
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