Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Roger McGough’s reputation goes before him. A man whose poetry touches all who read, take interest and enjoy the fascinating and humour filled poems. One of the Liverpool beat poets, along with Adrian Henri and Brian Patten, who has inspired generation after generation of the city’s inhabitants and bought the distinctive voice of those people to the wider world.
Roger McGough’s latest book of poetry, the outstanding As Far As I know, carries on his fine tradition of poetry for everyone and all times. Whilst other poets may see their popularity ebb and flow depending on the change of opinion of poetry and those who write it, Mr. McGough is at all times lauded as one of the finest poets of the 20th and 21st century. As Far As I Know is no exception to the wonderful and enlightening poems of his youth, the post war hardships, the Liverpool boom years of the 1960’s of which his Liverpool Beat Poetry was instrumental and now in his 75th year this latest book of odes marks him as one whose work is still just as relevant to the nation as when he wrote “Let Me Die A Youngman’s Death”.
The poems that fill this latest volume range from the sombre and deeply personal to the absurdity and McGough legendary wit that make them a delight to savour and immerse yourself into. For anyone who pursues Mr. McGough’s poetry, to understand what makes the man that the current Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy calls ‘The patron saint of poetry’ tick, what makes him such a pleasurable read will not have to go far before the familiar and comfortable sense of McGough warmth envelopes them.
To pick out any poem that deserves praise is possibly the most idiotic and futile expedition. Each poem speaks in different ways to each individual, what one person may not understand is enjoyed and chewed over by another. This is what makes Roger McGough such an impressive figure in modern day poetry. His work is for all, the poetry beautiful, sublime and brilliantly Liverpool.
It is subjective whether Roger McGough deserved above others to be the Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy certainly has proved to be an interesting choice and Simon Armitage will be an obvious choice to take over when the current laureate leaves her post but for Roger McGough, the man who gave poetry back to the people in the 1960’s will always have a special place in poetry lovers’ hearts.
A welcome return to the master of British poetry.
Ian D. Hall