Between 1979 and 1998 William Scammell published nine books of poetry, edited several anthologies as well as a collection of Ted Hughes's prose, Winter Pollen, and wrote a critical study of Keith Douglas. In 2000 he began compiling a collection of new poems for Flambard, but did not complete this before his unexpected and premature death. Black and White is divided into two sections. The first consists of poems he listed for definite inclusion, and these show him at the height of his powers, consolidating the poetic gains evident throughout All Set to Fall Off the Edge of the World (1998). The second section contains most of the poems in the files he was working on during his final year.
Praise for ALL SET TO FALL OFF THE EDGE OF THE WORLD:
This is a landmark in Flambard's poetry publishing. It's not just promising, or interesting, or good in parts but a very impressive collection.
Sean O'Brien, Northern Review
All Set to Fall Off the Edge of the World is lively, accessible and rich with a refreshing lack of the affectations which strangle much contemporary poetry.
Jo Shapcott, Independent on Sunday
William Scammell has always had his own take on the world; jaunty, opinionated, but with a sharp eloquence that means he could never be mistaken for a barroom philosopher.
John Lucas, Stand
Scammell's easy familiarity with his subjects guides him effortlessly to the tellingly exact epithet.
Neil Powell, Poetry Review
Black and White costs £7.50 and was published in 2002.
ISBN: 978-1-873226-54-4
William Scammell was born in Hythe, Hampshire in 1939. He left school at 15 to work in a newspaper office and subsequently travelled the world on Cunard liners as a ship's photographer. After winning a national scholarship for mature students, he took a degree in English and Philosophy at Bristol University, graduating in 1967. The following year he joined the WEA as Tutor-Organiser for north and west Gloucestershire, and in 1975 was appointed Lecturer in English at Newcastle University's Department of Adult Education, teaching mainly in Cumbria where he lived. He became a full-time writer in 1991, acting as chief poetry reviewer for the Independent on Sunday and contributing regularly to London Magazine, Poetry Review, The Spectator, Stand, TLS, The Guardian, Critical Quarterly and Sunday Times. He died in November 2000 at the age of 61. He was twice married and had two sons.
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