passing through: Poetry and Prose

by Tom Leonard

Unquestionably, Tom Leonard remains one of the most influential, innovative, and courageous artists in our history. From the publication of Six Glasgow Poems in 1969 until his death in 2018, Leonard changed the course of literary art in Scotland and beyond, producing poetry, prose, and criticism that would develop, challenge, and illuminate the way his readers conceived of subjects such as language, politics, literature, and class. passing through is, by any standard, a major book – a compilation of work previously uncollected or unpublished, including characteristically beautiful poetry, powerful essays, and perceptive review pieces on artists such as Ezra Pound, William Carlos Williams, and Norman MacCaig. It is a volume which presents the range of Tom Leonard’s his deep insight, but also the remarkable subtlety, humour, and empathy that permeates all of his writing.

This is a reprint of the first edition, produced and edited by Brian Hamill through his publishing imprint the common breath. Brian died soon after the book was published. The original publication would
not have been possible without Brian’s input and this edition is dedicated to the memory of Brian Hamill.

204 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2021

About the author

I live in Philadelphia and have been working as an Illustrator and Illustration teacher at the University of the Arts for many years.
I've illustrated many books, including Here is the Coral Reef, Here is the African Savanna, and Who Will Plant a Tree. I also wrote and illustrated Becoming Bach, which combines my two loves, art and music.
I greatly enjoy teaching and have learned more from the students than they've learned from me.
I love jazz and magic realism and I live with my lovely wife, Rose, in the Italian Market section of Philadelphia.