Book of Matches
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| Author | Simon Armitage |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Poetry |
| Publisher | Faber and Faber |
Publication date | 11 October 1993 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Pages | 64pp |
| ISBN | 0-571-16982-1 |
| 821/.914 20 | |
| LC Class | PR6051.R564 B66 1993 |
| Followed by | Dead Sea Poems |
Book of Matches is a poetry book written by Simon Armitage, first published in 1993 by Faber and Faber.[1] Several poems featured in the book are studied as part of the GCSE English Literature examination in the UK.[2]
The book is written in three sections, the first (Book of Matches) containing 30 short sonnets. Each is meant to be read within 20 seconds, the amount of time it would take for a match to be lit and burn out. The second, Becoming of Age, contains 14 titled poems, with the third, Reading the Banns, containing a collection of untitled poems based upon a wedding theme.
Critical reception for Book of Matches was mostly positive,[3] Ronald Carter calling it Armitage's "most distinctive volume".[4] The Independent stated that it was a "fine collection" and noted that Armitage's persona had changed in the collection's tone.[5]
References
- ^ Mcguiness, Daniel (Winter 1995). "Book of Matches". The Antioch Review. 53 (1): 120. doi:10.2307/4613107. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
- ^ "Simon Armitage - study guide". Teach It. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
- ^ London Magazine, Volume 34, Issues 1-6. London Magazine. 1994. p. 131.
- ^ Carter, Ronald (2001). The Routledge History of Literature in English: Britain and Ireland. Routledge. p. 404. ISBN 0415243173.
- ^ Barker, Elspeth (7 November 1993). "BOOK REVIEW / Northern lad grows up: Book of matches by Simon Armitage, Faber pounds 5.99". London: Independent. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
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