Selected Poems (Cape Poetry) by John Burnside
Selected Poems (Cape Poetry) brings together poetry by John Burnside, described in the listing as drawn from nine collections published over seventeen years. Its themes include home, community, absence, escape and renewal, making it a compact selection for readers interested in reflective, lyrical poetry.
At a glance
- The listing says the selection draws on nine collections spanning over seventeen years.
- Themes presented include home, belonging, myth, longing, absence, escape and renewal.
- A 128-page English-language first edition from Jonathan Cape.
Reference price: £13.99
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- The selection offers a concise way to encounter poems from across Burnside's earlier collections.
- The listed themes give readers a clear sense of its reflective, philosophical focus.
- Its 128-page length and listed weight of 144 g suit readers seeking a relatively compact poetry book.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Jonathan Cape |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 2 Mar. 2006 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 128 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0224078038 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0224078030 |
| Weight listed | 144 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.2 x 1 x 19.8 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers exploring John Burnside's poetry across several collections.
- Readers drawn to lyrical work on home, community, absence and renewal.
- A compact poetry-book gift for someone interested in reflective verse.
Less suited to
- Readers looking specifically for a new or comprehensive collection beyond the selection described here.
- Readers seeking poetry focused on a different subject or style.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
77% 77% - 4 stars
13% 13% - 3 stars
3% 3% - 2 stars
7% 7% - 1 star
0% 0%
Customer feedback describes the book's content and poetry positively and praises Burnside's writing style. The aggregate rating is broadly favourable, though a smaller portion of ratings is lower. These opinions may help readers considering the collection's literary appeal, but they do not establish that its themes or style will suit every reader.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the poetry and overall content.
- Feedback describes Burnside as a remarkable writer.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in Selected Poems (Cape Poetry)?
The listing describes a selection of John Burnside's poems drawing on nine collections. It does not provide a poem-by-poem contents list.
What themes does the listing describe?
It points to home, community, myth, longing, absence, escape, renewal and continuity.
How long is this edition?
The listed print length is 128 pages.
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