The Collected Poems of George Mackay
Brown
 These
days, the release of any George Mackay Brown publication or reprint is
a cause for celebration.
In June 2005, one such celebration will coincide with
the St Magnus Festival.
The midsummer festival of the arts will see the launch
of the first collected edition of George Mackay Brown’s poetry.
Edited by Stromnessians, Archie Bevan and Brian Murray,
The Collected Poems of George Mackay Brown was unveiled at a special
event on June 19.
The volume contains 421 of George Mackay Brown’s
poems - a collection that incorporates all the poetry from the four volumes
published in his lifetime as well as a number published posthumously.
As someone who came late to GMB’s poetry - it was
always his stories and prose that captivated me, particularly in my younger
years - this volume is a real treasury.
Sifting through the work on offer, the reader can see
how the author’s prose and poetry are so intricately linked, sharing
much of the same imagery and simplicity of language.
One of the first poems in the book is the instantly
recognisable A Work for Poets. The remainder of the book’s
content can be summed up with that poem’s final stanza: “Here
is a work for Poets; Carve the runes; Then be content with silence.”
The poetry throughout speaks of a quiet man, labouring
away at his craft. As usual, and not surprisingly, the theme throughout
is Orkney - its history, characters, places and heritage
Among my personal favourites are Ikey’s Day
- one of the four Ikey poems in the book - and among a number of pieces
featuring this, almost otherworldly, tinkler, Vinland and The
Five Voyages of Arnor.
But to select just three from the plethora presented
within the pages is a difficult task.
What about The Storm, The Drowning Brothers,
Orkney: The Whale Islands? The list goes on. I suspect the choice
would change daily. But no matter, there’s plenty to choose from.
The editors must be congratulated for their efforts
in producing this title, which also features an introduction to Brown’s
poetry as well as a brief biography.
I find it incredibly difficult to review poetry. Not
only because I don’t feel qualified to comment, but simply because
poetry, by its nature, is surely a case of “to each his own”.
But George Mackay Brown’s work is so rooted in
Orkney, that any Orcadian will find something that appeals. In fact, whatever
your poetical taste, there is plenty to satiate your appetite in this
volume.
This is one to be read, and re-read over and over again.
Whether cover to cover, or to dip in at random, this really deserves space
on any Orkney bookshelf.
The Collected Poems of George Mackay Brown is
published by John Murray, priced £35. It is due to be launched on
June 19.
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