In the Shadows

In partnership with The Fine Book Bindery Annie Lee and I have created a very special limited edition trilogy - all handmade in their Finedon Northants, works.  The three books taken together explore the sensuous nature of Clare's early (pre 1820 poetry in the main) from his own verse and prose.

Book One - The Lovers Meeting - (from 1818) is a reworking by Clare of Ovid's first century erotic poem.   It seems to us very much with Patty in mind. 

Book Two - The Poet in Love - is the very real story of Clare's meeting, courtship of Patty Turner, and then her subsequent pregnancy and their marriage in 1820.  

Book Three - In the Shadows - is the story of Clare's largely illusory relationship with Mary Joyce ranging over his whole life.

Both 'Poet' 'and "Shadows' contain newly discovered Clare works and little known poems rejected by his publishers.

The reviews of the first two books were wonderful, here is Ronnie Blythe on 'Poet':

"I read, and re-read 'The Poet in Love'... it is a delight; beautifully presented and even revolutionary in its demand that we should look at Clare 'passionately and practically'. You have re-instated Patty... and you have dethroned Mary Joyce. The book makes us look at Clare in a fresh way, and this is no easy matter considering the stream of Clare criticism. Anne Lee's illustrations are fascinating - a kind of poetry in themselves."

"So beautiful, such treasures for my John Clare bookcase. They should lie on a table where everyone can see them, pick them up and delight in them. The end-papers themselves are a treat... they real are very beautiful." (Of TPIL and TLM)

And from Eric Robinson's Afterword to 'The Poet in Love': "No one can read this book without learning much of Clare's courtship of Patty during these formative years. It is a very strange story, but it reveals much of the essential character of a poet who had at last been recognised as a very great writer. Roger Rowe and Anne Lee have made an important contribution to Clare studies. And I am pleased to know that more is yet to come from their joint efforts."

Each book is signed and numbered and is available from me.  Simply leave a comment at the foot of this page, or message me via the John Clare Poet facebook page, and I will get back to you.

Each book measures 11" x 8"

The cost?

"The Lovers Meeting' is £35 + £3 (P&P)
"The Poet in Love" is £45 + £3 (P&P)
"In the Shadows" is £45 + £3 (P&P)

All three books £110 post free

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