Lauded as a 'national treasure' and 'world class' by his contemporaries, 'Bard of Barnsley' Ian McMillan is one of Britain's well-loved poets, performers, broadcasters and entertainers. The host of The Verb, BBC Radio 3's Cabaret of The Word, McMillan has been injecting soul and vibrancy into the UK literary scene for over two decades. His humorous and witty observations of everyday life, fused with his northern, working-class voice has made him a household name. This long-awaited collection brings together poems from his previous publications plus new and unseen ones.
Inching towards the status of a National Treasure. —Andy Kershaw
World-class – one of today’s greatest poetry performers. —Carol Ann Duffy
Ian McMillanwas born in Barnsley in 1957. He published his first Carcanet book of poems,The Changing Problem, in 1980.Now It Can Be Toldappeared in 1983,Dad, the Donkey’s On Firein 1994.Selected Poems(Poetry Book Society Recommendation) has gone through several printings. He first made his name through his work with the Poetry Circus in the early 1980s. Since then he has become famous for his work in schools, radio and television (the Mark Radcliffe Show, The Verb, Poetry Please and Newsnight Review), as Poet in Residence for Barnsley F.C., and in poetry venues across the nation.
Humorous, witty and hugely entertaining observational poems from the 'Bard of Barnsley' - will appeal to everyone, even those with little interest in poetry!