From dust jacket notes: “Love, Of A Kind was compiled and partly written under the illusion of a sentence of death. Diagnosed with cancer of the throat in January 2012, Felix Dennis responded by selecting, revising and writing poems for what he believed would be his last book. His themes are love, life, death and taking stock. Following successful radical surgery and radiotherapy, he is now in remission, once again engaged in a life filled with poetry, live performance, the planting of trees and the getting of money. As the late Robert Woof, Director of the Wordsworth Trust, once observed: ‘You feel he lived it so richly, so dangerously, to be so wise for our delight.’ Dennis’s legions of fans will be delighted with a sulphurous collection of poems that pulls no punches, makes no excuses and seems ever ready to spit in the eye of mortality; poems that Shirley Conran has said ‘invoke sorrow as fast as regret, pain as readily as passion, and love as tenderly as murderous rage.’ Here is the seventh book of verse from a writer one instinctively feels is at the peak of his creative powers, one the American critic and novelist Tom Wolfe describes simply as ‘the best poet writing in the English language.'”
Embark on a poignant journey through life, love, and mortality with Felix Dennis's powerful collection of poetry, "Love, Of a Kind." This hardcover edition, a complete numbered first edition, published by Random House in 2013, offers a raw and unflinching look into the soul of a man confronted with his own mortality. Written during a period when Dennis believed he was facing a terminal illness, these poems resonate with an urgency and honesty that is both captivating and deeply moving. He fearlessly explores themes of love in all its complex forms, from tender affection to consuming passion, while grappling with the realities of life, the inevitability of death, and the importance of taking stock of one's existence. But "Love, Of a Kind" is more than just a collection of poems written under the shadow of death. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a celebration of life's joys and sorrows, and a profound meditation on the meaning of it all. Following successful treatment, Dennis found himself in remission, breathing new life into his passions, including poetry, performance, tree planting, and his business ventures. This experience infuses the collection with a renewed sense of appreciation and a fierce determination to live life to the fullest. What sets Dennis's poetry apart is his unique voice: a blend of wit, wisdom, and unapologetic candor. His poems pull no punches, challenging conventional notions and daring to confront uncomfortable truths. As the late Robert Woof of the Wordsworth Trust observed, Dennis lived life "richly, so dangerously, to be so wise for our delight." This collection, Dennis's seventh book of verse, showcases him at the height of his creative powers. Tom Wolfe, the renowned American critic and novelist, hailed Dennis as "the best poet writing in the English language." Shirley Conran echoes this sentiment, noting how his poems "invoke sorrow as fast as regret, pain as readily as passion, and love as tenderly as murderous rage." The poems possess a visceral quality, connecting with the reader on an emotional level and leaving a lasting impact. "Love, Of a Kind" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates powerful poetry, profound insights, and the courage to confront life's biggest questions. It's a collection that will make you think, feel, and ultimately, appreciate the preciousness of every moment. Measuring 6.1 x 1.1 x 9.2 inches and weighing 733g, this substantial hardcover edition is a beautiful addition to any poetry lover's collection. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the brilliance of Felix Dennis's "Love, Of a Kind."