A memoir of friendship, history, and longing in a Greek village that “introduces us to a rich cast of writers and ex-pats, shepherds and urbanites” (A.E. Stallings, Pulitzer Prize for Poetry finalist). In his twenties, an American manual laborer and poet found himself living with his beautiful wife in a village in southern Greece. Their first encounter with that country would prove an unrecoverable dream of intimate magic, but through decades of steadfast affection, David Mason grew to a deeper understanding of what it means to be a citizen of one’s own country and a citizen of the world. From a writer praised for his “often intoxicating language” (Kirkus Reviews), News from the Village is a lyrical memoir of Aegean friends, including such figures as Orhan Pamuk, Bruce Chatwin, Katerina Anghelaki-Rooke, Yiorgos Chouliaras, and Patrick Leigh Fermor, each of whom comes fully alive, along with a brilliant cast of lesser-known characters. Fearing he has lost Greece and everything it has meant in his life, Mason goes back again and again to the country he knew as a young man. He encounters Turkey and Greece together in the shadow of 9/11; follows the lives of his friends, whose trials sometimes surpass his own; and brings them all together in the circle of this generous narrative. Ultimately, Mason’s memoir is about what we can hold and what slips away, what sustains us all through our griefs and disappointments. “Mason realizes he must confront shifting politics, village tensions, family tragedy, and history with blood on its hands before he can love Greece as she is rather than as he would have her be. Along the way, he introduces us to a rich cast of writers and ex-pats, shepherds and urbanites—and travels that stretch from the Rockies to the Bosphorus—the journey of a lifetime.”—A.E. Stallings, Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of Like

Hanford Lennox Gordon's 'The Feast of the Virgins and Other Poems' is a collection of strikingly vivid and emotional poems that delve into themes of love, loss, and the human experience. Gordon's poetic style is rich in symbolism and imagery, drawing readers into a world of deep introspection and contemplation. The poems in this collection are a mix of traditional forms and free verse, showcasing Gordon's versatility and skill as a poet. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, these poems offer a glimpse into the psyche of a bygone era while still resonating with modern readers. Gordon's work stands out for its lyrical beauty and profound insights into the complexities of life and emotion. Hanford Lennox Gordon, a prominent Jamaican poet and playwright, was known for his contributions to Caribbean literature and his exploration of cultural identity. His experiences growing up in Jamaica and later traveling and studying in the United States influenced his writing style and thematic concerns. Gordon's deep connection to his homeland and his keen observations of human nature shine through in 'The Feast of the Virgins and Other Poems'. His work continues to be celebrated for its timeless relevance and universal appeal. I highly recommend 'The Feast of the Virgins and Other Poems' to readers who appreciate thought-provoking poetry that explores the depths of human experience. Gordon's collection offers a unique blend of beauty and introspection that will captivate poetry lovers and literary enthusiasts alike.

In recent years the canon of eighteenth-century poetry has greatly expanded to include women poets, labouring-class and provincial poets, and many previously unheard voices. Fairer’s book takes up the challenge this ought to pose to our traditional understanding of the subject. This book seeks to question some of the structures, categories, and labels that have given the age its reassuring shape in literary history. In doing so Fairer offers a fresh and detailed look at a wide range of material.