Further Requirements

Further Requirements gathers interviews, broadcasts, statements, and reviews that collectively offer a surprising portrait of Philip Larkin: mordant, modest, intolerant, and generous-but always himself.

" . . . reveals a deadpan humour and intuitive intelligence tempered by genuine modesty . . . cannot fail to appeal to those with a passion for poetry."
--Joanna Hunter, The Observer

" . . . good writing, unfussy and unadorned-seeming; but with the impression that [Larkin] has worked hard at every sentence. Even his responses in interviews suggest a mind taking its time to get the words just right."
--Nicholas Lezard, The Guardian

"It is a treat to encounter once more those splendidly grouchy tones. . . . Larkin's insights into himself are spot-on."
--The Independent

" . . . impeccably edited . . . hugely readable . . . provides solid confirmation of Larkin's stature. Austere? No, thank goodness, though he had his austerities. But a classic? Undoubtedly."
--The Daily Telegraph

Philip Larkin (1922-85) was a prolific and honored British poet, editor, fiction writer, and reviewer. His books of poetry include High Windows, The Whitsun Weddings, The Less Deceived, and The North Ship. In addition to Further Requirements, his prose works include the essay collections Required Writing (Michigan, 1999) and All What Jazz: A Record Diary, and two novels, Jill and A Girl in Winter.

Anthony Thwaite is an acclaimed writer and poet, whose most recent books include Selected Poems 1956-1996 and A Different Country: New Poems.