Don Paterson

Don Paterson, Volume 1, provides the first book-length critical study of the contemporary British poet. This scholarly work in literary criticism features eight essays by prominent literary critics and writers who examine the social, historical, and personal dimensions of the author's poetry and prose. The text situates his writing in dialogue with classical, medieval, and modernist voices, highlighting how he negotiates his position within literary history and theory through humor and directness.

This volume explores the diverse influences on the poet, including American, English, Irish, and Scottish literature. Readers can examine his technical approach to sonnets, long sequences, and translations, alongside his theoretical work on poetic form, meter, and rhythm. The collection addresses complex themes such as spirituality, national identity, and the intersections of poetry with mathematics, art, and music. It serves as a comprehensive resource for those studying modern European and British poetry.