Backward Turning Sea

Backward Turning Sea by Kelvin Corcoran, published by Shearsman Books in 2008, is a poetry collection that marks the author’s first release since his New & Selected Poems in 2004. This edition, comprising 115 pages, explores Corcoran’s deepening engagement with Greece, intertwining themes of both ancient and modern elements while acknowledging the impact of contemporary politics on this landscape.

Readers will find a rich tapestry of poems that reflect the author’s fascination with the Mediterranean, as well as his interest in the works of St Ives artist Roger Hilton. The collection delves into the complexities of place and perception, offering insights into the interplay between art and the shifting political climate. With its focus on European poetry, particularly from English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh perspectives, this book invites readers to contemplate the nuances of cultural and historical contexts.