Imbued with a new dynamic, this stimulating book brings fresh perspectives to its subject, illustrated with 165 original poems. It provides a poetic ambience in which reader and author work together in the creative process. Constantly reinvigorated by new, original poems, the text is so constructed as to ensure that sustained progress is made. Essential linguistic tools and the techniques required in using them to best effect are clearly set out and illustrated by copious examples. Rather than wallowing in the classics for inspiration, this ‘hands-on’ approach moves the aspiring poet steadily forward to that satisfying achievement of writing literate, relevant and memorable poetry.


Born in Manchester in 1930, John Pemberton wrote his first poem before undertaking a grammar-school education that included inspirational teaching in poetry. He pursued literary and linguistic studies at Manchester University which led to a career in librarianship, a Masters Degree from Warwick University, and an Honorary Doctorate. Alongside much published work relating to his profession has run the continuous thread of poetry which culminates in this book and the forthcoming collection of his epigrams.