John Rety - writer, editor and publisher, chess player, anarchist and pacifist - was best known in the literary world for his contributions to poetry: he established the long-running and much loved Torriano Meeting House poetry readings and Hearing Eye press. Less well known is John's own poetry. Notebook in Hand is a selection from his five collections as well as unpublished and new poems - he was still writing up until his untimely death in February 2010. His poetry is both simple and complex - tender, funny, poignant, and companionable, it is also edgy, acerbic, troubled and disappointed. As well as his better-known comic poetry, Notebook in Hand presents tender lyrics and trenchant political meditations, some of which may surprise, but will certainly delight, his readers.
"A poignant reminder of John's distinctive voice and his whimsical way of following a train of thought wherever it might lead" - London Grip
"Both in his life and his work John tried to do something about the state of the world. That is what the best poets have always done and do." - Peace News
"This book is a fine tribute to this remarkable and original poet." - Morning Star
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