Chairperson: Paul Perry
Autumn Journal is widely regarded as Louis MacNeice’s masterpiece. The book is a verse diary of the closing months of 1938 and was published on the eve of war. In it, current events stir old memories: of Ireland, of his schooling, of his wife, whom he still greatly missed. The poem straddles the personal and the political, reflecting MacNeice’s description of himself as a man both “involved in personal relationships” and “a reader of newspapers.” Join Harry Clifton, the current Ireland Professor of Poetry, for a discussion on Autumn Journal and to discover why he rates Louis MacNeice, and Autumn Journal in particular, so highly.
To participate in these events please read the selected work in advance. Capacity is limited to 50. Books are available for sale from The Gutter Bookshop (our dedicated Festival Bookseller) located on Cow’s Lane in Temple Bar