Picador UK A Chorus of Ears: On 'the voice of the poem' by Denise Riley | Hardcover

Explore the complex relationship between the poet, the poem, and public perception in A Chorus of Ears, a compelling series of essays by the celebrated English poet Denise Riley. This collection delves into voice, lyric, and the significance of the poet's persona in contemporary literary culture.

Riley critically examines how a poet's public image can overshadow their actual work and how the pressures of prize culture can narrow critical engagement with lyric poetry. She challenges readers to consider what might be revealed if the poem were liberated from the author's identity, allowing its own voice to emerge.

• Essays focusing on voice, lyric, and the persona of the poet.
• Contemplation on how public persona can gain more significance than the poetry itself in the modern literary world.
• Reflection on how prize culture can limit the ability to meet the lyric on its own terms.
• Exploration of the poem's independent voice, separate from the author.

Includes a foreword by leading poet and critic Don Paterson. Denise Riley is recognized as 'one of the great poets of our time' (New Statesman) and 'one of the most eloquent thinkers about our life in language' (The Sunday Times).

• Author: Denise Riley
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Publication Date: June 25, 2026
• Pages: 144 pages
• ISBN-13: 978-1035095964
• Dimensions: 102 x 25 x 178 mm (Approx. 4 x 1 x 7 inches)
• Weight: 454 g
• Reading Age: 18 years and up

Discover a profound examination of poetic voice and literary culture in this essential collection of essays from Denise Riley.