Peter Finch is a poet, critic, author, and literary entrepreneur whose work spans both traditional and experimental forms. He is renowned for his declamatory poetry readings and his creative output inspired by his native city of Cardiff. His engagement with the UK poetry publishing scene and his editorial work are also significant aspects of his literary contributions.
Cardiff-lover Peter Finch spent the first lockdown walking the edge of the city in which he was confined by the UK government restrictions. He thought he knew Cardiff, but it was a revelation. Here are new discoveries about the Welsh capital’ s places and history, drawn from Finch’ s walks, knowledge and his personal history, and an exploration of the nature of borders.
Poet and psychogeographer Peter Finch undertakes 15 walks around the south Wales Valleys, picking out features en route and providing interesting stories, historical and contemporary, about their past and present. His sharp eye and depth of research is illustrated by photographer John Briggs' images in a lively guide to this famous region.
Peter Finch has developed his particular poetics for fifty years. His blending of the avant garde, concrete, visual, sound and more conventional forms makes him a central figure in British poetry, bridging the experiments of the sixties with today's social concerns. His Collected Poems provokes and shocks, but engages through humour and empathy.
The Machineries of Joy is the vibrant, uproarious, pointed, & wildly entertaining new collection from renowned Cardiff-based performance poet, Peter Finch. Known for his inventive and multi-faceted formal strategies & his best-selling psycho-geographical peregrinations around Wales and the USA, he gives us the world in all its contemporary complexity.
Poet and psychogeographer Peter Finch undertakes 20 walks around his native city, picking out features en route and providing interesting stories, historical and contemporary, about life in the city past and present. His sharp eye and compendious knowledge of Cardiff is illustrated by photographer John Briggs' images in a lively guide to the city.
Exploring the evolution of popular music from 1950s Cardiff to various iconic music scenes in Ireland, New York, Tennessee, Mississippi, and North Carolina, this memoir delves into the profound impact of music on society. It examines how music once shaped cultural identity and community, contrasting it with today's digital accessibility. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the narrative highlights music's transformative power and its ability to transcend geographical boundaries, creating a rich tapestry of musical heritage.
The narrative delves into postindustrial Cardiff, intertwining historical insights with personal stories to reflect on the city's transformation. It captures the juxtaposition of modern developments against the backdrop of forgotten railways, offering a blend of nostalgia, humor, and poignant observations. Through its exploration of the people and places that shape Cardiff, this installment of the trilogy provides a vivid commentary on the evolving landscape and the emotional resonance of urban change.
Exploring a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences, this poetry collection delves into diverse themes such as aging, cultural oddities, and iconic musicians. The poems, infused with the energy of performance art, take readers on journeys through locations like Barcelona, Hungary, and Ireland. With a blend of humor, sadness, and satire, notable pieces include "Trying to Find Béla Bartók" and "I Chew Gum and Think of Rifles," showcasing the depth and dynamism of contemporary poetic expression.
Featuring an inventive and humorous writing style, this updated edition offers a rich selection of poems, blending traditional and experimental forms. It expands on a previously popular version by incorporating works from later collections, making it a valuable addition for poetry enthusiasts.
Peter Finch's collection showcases his experimental poetry from the past twenty years, blending visual art, sound poetry, and playful language explorations. Influenced by the Welsh language, his work oscillates between deep integration and a more distanced engagement, reflecting a unique interplay of cultural elements. This survey not only pays tribute to poet John James but also highlights Finch's role as a significant figure in Welsh poetry in English, offering readers a diverse and innovative poetic experience.