Archipelago Anthology

Archipelago is a literary magazine that explores the relationships between the islands of Ireland and Britain through creative conversations. It has brought together established and emerging artists, and its contributors include Moya Cannon, Deirdre Ni Chonghaile, Tim Dee, Seamus Heaney, Kathleen Jamie, Michael Longley, Robert Macfarlane, Derek Mahon, and Sinead Morrisey.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 568 pages
Publication date: 11 November 2021
Publisher: The Lilliput Press Ltd

Archipelago, a literary magazine that has emerged as one of the most significant and influential publications of the past two decades, has been a testament to the power of words and storytelling. Spanning twelve editions, this remarkable publication was curated by the scholar-poet Andrew McNeillie, with the invaluable assistance of James McDonald Lockhart. Its inception was driven by a bold endeavor to reimagine the intricate connections between the islands of Ireland and Britain.

Archipelago has been a catalyst for transformative creative conversations, uniting established and emerging artists in a dialogue that has reshaped our understanding of islands, coasts, and waterways. It embarked on a captivating journey, traversing from the Shetlands to Cornwall, from the Aran Islands to the Yorkshire coast, tracing the rich tapestry of cultures across diverse zones through the finest contemporary writing about place and people.

This captivating collection brings together poetry, prose, and visual art in clusters, each centered around the Irish and British archipelago. With contributions from an array of notable artists, Archipelago: A Reader showcases the depth and diversity of artistic expression. Among the fifty contributors, the reader will encounter the works of Moya Cannon, an Irish poet with seven published collections, including the recent Collected Poems (2021). Deirdre Ni Chonghaile, a graduate of the University of Oxford and University College Cork, is known for her interdisciplinary work in music studies, having affiliations with NUI, Galway, and the University of Notre Dame. Tim Dee, a naturalist, BBC radio producer, and author of The Running Sky (2018), brings his unique perspective to the pages of Archipelago.

Seamus Heaney, a luminary of Irish literature, left an indelible mark on the world with his exceptional talent. Born in Northern Ireland, Heaney's career encompassed teaching at prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Oxford. His remarkable achievements were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1995. Kathleen Jamie, a Scottish writer whose work has transcended borders, has graced the international stage with her literary prowess. Since 2010, Jamie has been teaching poetry at the University of Stirling, inspiring and nurturing aspiring poets.

Michael Longley, a Northern Irish poet, has garnered widespread acclaim for his poetic prowess. His accolades include the Whitbread Poetry Prize, the Hawthornden Prize, and the PEN Pinter Prize in 2017. Robert Macfarlane, a Writing Fellow of Emman, is a writer and illustrator who has explored the intricate connections between humans and nature through his writings.

Archipelago has not only enriched our understanding of islands and their cultures but has also fostered a sense of connection and empathy among artists and readers alike. It has become a beacon of creativity, inspiring generations to explore the beauty and complexities of our world through the lens of literature and art. As we immerse ourselves in the pages of Archipelago, we are transported to a realm where words have the power to bridge gaps, ignite imagination, and ignite a passion for the wonders of our planet.

Weight: 1034g
Dimension: 160 x 235 x 59 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781843517825