O’Brien ISBN 9781847177584 £14.99
The writings of William Butler Yeats are infused with the rural landscapes and haunting tales and legends of his Irish homeland. Kyle-na-no, Dooney and Innisfree may be real, but they conjure up a timelessness and lands of enchantment. This collection includes many of his best loved poems: The Wild Swans at Coole, The Cat and the Moon, He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven and The Song of the Wandering Aengus. It also includes two of his short stories, biographical information, a letter as a child to his sister and previously unpublished memories from his daughter Anne. Thus far, another interesting collection of his work with some original additions, so what makes this such a remarkable, desirable edition? Sumptuous artwork, much of it in deep, rich blues, greens and jade, or jewelled hues for fruits and fairy folk bring to life Yeats’ words utterly superbly. The Sidhe are both fearsome yet ethereal, we can almost hear the wild swans’ appear wing beats and one of them, in a brilliant imaginative leap, becomes the pool itself. The cat’s eyes reflect the changing moon and heaven’s embroidered cloths seem coiled and folded before our eyes. Despite their brilliance, these pictures enhance rather than overshadow the lyrical beauty of Yeats’ imagery and the cadences of his verse, which is no mean feat. While the verse should be read aloud and given voice, these pages require a slow poring over to elicit every gem and nuance. This would make a beautiful gift or prize and should certainly be within reach of every KS2 teacher to read aloud and share.
Sue Barrett, retired teacher and lecturer