The Poetry of Les Murray

Les Murray is acknowledged as Australia's leading poet; the one with the most substantial world recognition. Yet the criticism on his work has until now been commensurate with this reputation, both in bulk and quality. This ground-breaking collection of essays ranges across Murray's considerable output, examining its lyrical qualities and its remarkable linguistic inventiveness; its landscapes and 'soundscapes'; its biographical qualities; its underlying poetics and world view, from the mid length poems to the culminating verse, Fredy Neptune. Impressive in their depth as well as their coverage, these original essays reveal the riches of the poetry. Contributors include outstanding Murray scholars, new and well known, from overseas as well as Australia. Those interested in Australian and world poetry - teachers, students, general readers and historians - will find this volume an indispensable companion.