by Iain Banks
Banks wrote these poems between 1973 and 1981, crafting verses that reveal the same sharp mind behind his acclaimed novels. His first published poem appeared in New Writing Scotland in 1983. He kept most of his poetry private, sharing it mainly with close friends. In late 2012, Banks decided to publish a joint collection with lifelong friend Ken MacLeod. When Banks received his terminal diagnosis, both writers pressed forward with the project. Banks completed his final revisions just days before he died. The collection captures his skeptical worldview and dry humor. MacLeod edited the manuscript and provides an introduction. These poems show the cleareyed perspective that defined Banks' fiction, delivered with the wit that could unsettle and charm readers in equal measure.
Genres: literary-fiction, 20th-century, poetry, 21st-century
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family
Setting: Scotland
Period: 1973-1981, 2012
Paperback · Abacus