Lawrence Durrell's success as a novelist may have tended to obscure his achievement as a poet and in poetry. It is primarily as a lyrical poet of places that he was acknowledged to excel, but in Collected Poems it will be found that the range of feeling and ideas, of wit and experience, and also of style, is remarkable. The whole volume is charged with Durrell's response to the 'spirit of place', which is one of this exceptional gifts as a writer.

'They range from affecting and beautiful love poems to skilful, succinct portraits and robust ballads . . . Rich in ideas.' -- Alan Ross

'As a lyrical poet . . . he is the equal of Auden.' -- Gavin Ewart

'Durrell's poetry compels the highest standard of judgement . . . The effect of reading him is to have one's love of poetry rekindled . . . Genuine life, genuine emotion, genuine art.' -- John Wain