Redcrosse Remaking Religious Poetry for Today's World [Paperback]

Do poetry and criticism matter in today's world?
How can the poetry of the past help us tackle the changing nature of religious faith and national identity?

This book explores the creation ofRedcrosse, a new poetic liturgy for St George's Day and a unique collaborative work written by the critic Ewan Fernie, the theologian Andrew Shanks and the major
contemporary poets Jo Shapcott, Michael Symmons Roberts and Andrew Motion. Leading writers - including John Milbank, Salley Vickers and Sarah Apetrei, together with authors ofRedcrosseitself - reflect on the creation of the liturgy and its central inspiration, Edmund Spenser's epic Renaissance poem,The Faerie Queene, as well as on its two premieres in St George's Chapel, Windsor and Manchester Cathedral, and its sometimes controversial public reception.

Including the full text ofRedcrosse, the volume triumphantly shows that a new poetic work really can address some of the most pressing concerns of our time.

Contributors \ Acknowledgements \Part I: Reflections\ 1. Through the Red CrossEwan Fernie\ 2. For RealSalley Vickers\ 3. A Desire for the ImpossibleAndrew Shanks\ 4. The Poet's TaleMichael Symmons Roberts\ 5. Fight the Good Fight?Sarah Apetrei\ 6. From Romance to Ritual:Redcrosseand Spenser'sFaerie QueeneJohn Milbank\Part II: Redcrosse\ Redcrosse: A New Celebration of England and St GeorgeEwan Fernie, Michael Symmons Roberts, Jo Shapcott and Andrew Shanks, and featuring a new poem from Andrew Motion

Leading poets, critics and theologians explore the writing of a new poetic liturgy and how a creative work can confront issues of faith and ???Englishness'.