A dazzling, visceral, proficient, kinetic work. fights runs its combinations in formal excitement and trenchgut force.
Maggie O’Sullivan
Boxing, and boxing language, has inspired poets for hundreds of years and in all sorts of ways. Not daunted by this tradition, Steven Fowler has managed to push its boundaries in an impressively varied collection of poems that finds inspiration both from rhythm and style within the ring and from the wider world that leans on its ropes.
Kasia Boddy (author of Boxing: a Cultural History)
Steven Fowler's Fights is a book of many, various, & rare excitements. At times I was reminded of Jack Spicer's Holy Grail poems, at others, of Reznikoff's Testimony: that's a strange & unusual combination. Much contemporary poetry can be accused of lacking ambition, but Fights--with its various forms & approaches-- reaches not for the single knockout punch, but for the variety & beauty of the stars. There are not many books of poetry where you turn the page not knowing what is coming next, but this is one of them.
Tim Atkins
New functions for the jaw. Poetic histories from all possible angles, and then some. Its about time boxing - the basis of all sport - was understood from the viewpoint of the poetic mind. Slam it into your mouth and read it out LOUD
Sean Bonney
'Fights' is now available to order from Veer books, and if you're kind enough to nab one, then you can use paypal to order.
If paying by paypal use the payee address [log in to unmask] ( Stephen Mooney - editor of Veer) and the book is £9.00 + £0.80 p&p = £9.80
For any questions or for ordering outside of the UK, the contact is at [log in to unmask]
http://www.bbk.ac.uk/cprc/publications/Veer_Publications/Veer040 Thanks in advance if you are generous enough to get one.
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