These essays explore the cases, causes, methods, influences, quarrels, and achievements in the work of numerous poets. Among the poets included are: Larkin, Hughes, Heaney, Reading, Harrison, and Muldoon. A wide range of younger poets are also discussed, including: Dunmore, D'Aguiar, Maxwell, and Kay. This book provides an excellent overview of the state of poetry in Great Britain and Ireland today. Sean O'Brien is poetry reviewer for the Sunday Times and author of a number of poetry titles, including Ghost Train, winner of the Forward Prize.