Basil Payne 1923 -2103 This is his first book, originally published in 1961. This volume contains a selection from ten years' work. The poems have been grouped thematically, rather than chronologically, because the author found that ""they seemed to arrange themselves that way."" They display an exciting command of language and ar remarkable for their blend of tenderness, irony and passion. The lost innocence of childhood and the recesses of adult experiences are, alike, poignantly explored. Here is an Irish poet of clarity, vigour and originality, whose first volume should have a particularly wide appeal. Cover by John Skelton, Dublin.