Living in Disguise

Markham E. A.

E. A. Markham's new collection confirms his standing as one of the most energetic and original poets to emerge in recent years. "He has a very distinctive voice", commented Carol Rumens in "The Observer". 'Writing in Time Out", Valerie Sinason described "Human Rites" (1984) as "an important contribution to English poetry as well as underlining the creative West Indian presence".

"Living in Disguise" unmasks E. A. Markham as Sally Goodman, feminist poet of the 1970s. It continues with poems by his previously known alias, Paul St Vincent, the social satirist, performance poet and creator of "Lambchops". His recent poems as "E. A. Markham" draw on his experience in Papua New Guinea during 1983-1985. Trenchant humour, astute observation and an understanding of the ironies implicit in his varied subjects and his approaches to them distinguish all his work.

About the Author

Born in Montserrat in 1939, E. A. Markham has lived in many parts of Europe, though Britain has been his home since 1956. Active in theatre and in literature – he is a story-writer as well as a poet – he is currently Professor of Creative Writing at Sheffield Hallam University, edits the magazine Sheffield Thursday, and directs the biennial Hallam Literature Festival. His most recent book of poems is "Misapprehensions" (Anvil, 1995), and of stories, "Taking the Drawing-Room through Customs" (Peepal Tree, 1997).

Reviews

Awards won by E. A. Markham
Commended, 2009 Poetry Book Society (PBS): Choice – Spring (Looking Out, Looking in)

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