From childhood innocence to Millennial angst ¿ via the ballet, New Zealand, and outer space ¿ Dan Simpson¿s poetry jumps off the page in a high-energy riot of words. Whilst the familiar themes of science and technology are examined with the snappily-smart observations he¿s known for, in this second collection Dan taps into a more personal and poignant voice. By turns robust and vulnerable, the book is shot through with the sense of humour and linguistic dexterity for which the former Canterbury Laureate has built a reputation in the world of spoken word. Unafraid to play with form and structure, the collection includes a univocalic black cab journey; a music review featuring all the words first coined in 1985; and a shape poem in the shape of a poem. Featuring pieces from four full-length solo shows, plus material written for residencies and commissions, Totally Cultured is poetry at its most engaging and contemporary