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Poems from an Attic: Selected Poems, 1936-95
A definitive collection of poems by the major twentieth-century novelist and philosopher, newly discovered in the attic of Murdoch's former home.
While she is pre-eminent as one of the twentieth century's great novelists and philosophers, Murdoch's life as a poet has languished in the shadows. Yet throughout her life she wrote, revised and re-wrote a sizeable collection of poems; publishing some but keeping many private and - ultimately - shut in a chest in her attic.
Their recent discovery marks a significant literary event. Ranging over nearly six decades, these searing, confessional poems balance craft with playfulness; psychological insight with Murdoch's own personal feelings. As an autobiographical account, they are unlike anything else. They shine a new light on Iris Murdoch's turbulent relationships with men and women, her decades-long marriage and extraordinary life.
These radically honest poems are for anyone who have at one time or another gone soul-searching in the midst of heartbreak - and for those who have found solace in the quiet joys of friendship.
While she is pre-eminent as one of the twentieth century's great novelists and philosophers, Murdoch's life as a poet has languished in the shadows. Yet throughout her life she wrote, revised and re-wrote a sizeable collection of poems; publishing some but keeping many private and - ultimately - shut in a chest in her attic.
Their recent discovery marks a significant literary event. Ranging over nearly six decades, these searing, confessional poems balance craft with playfulness; psychological insight with Murdoch's own personal feelings. As an autobiographical account, they are unlike anything else. They shine a new light on Iris Murdoch's turbulent relationships with men and women, her decades-long marriage and extraordinary life.
These radically honest poems are for anyone who have at one time or another gone soul-searching in the midst of heartbreak - and for those who have found solace in the quiet joys of friendship.
- GenresPoetry
192 pages, Hardcover
Published November 6, 2025
7 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Iris Murdoch
147 books2,606 followersDame Jean Iris Murdoch
Irish-born British writer, university lecturer and prolific and highly professional novelist, Iris Murdoch dealt with everyday ethical or moral issues, sometimes in the light of myths. As a writer, she was a perfectionist who did not allow editors to change her text. Murdoch produced 26 novels in 40 years, the last written while she was suffering from Alzheimer disease.
"She wanted, through her novels, to reach all possible readers, in different ways and by different means: by the excitement of her story, its pace and its comedy, through its ideas and its philosophical implications, through the numinous atmosphere of her own original and created world--the world she must have glimpsed as she considered and planned her first steps in the art of fiction." (John Bayley in Elegy for Iris, 1998)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iris_Mur...
Irish-born British writer, university lecturer and prolific and highly professional novelist, Iris Murdoch dealt with everyday ethical or moral issues, sometimes in the light of myths. As a writer, she was a perfectionist who did not allow editors to change her text. Murdoch produced 26 novels in 40 years, the last written while she was suffering from Alzheimer disease.
"She wanted, through her novels, to reach all possible readers, in different ways and by different means: by the excitement of her story, its pace and its comedy, through its ideas and its philosophical implications, through the numinous atmosphere of her own original and created world--the world she must have glimpsed as she considered and planned her first steps in the art of fiction." (John Bayley in Elegy for Iris, 1998)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iris_Mur...
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 9, 2026
Some really great poems here, a nice intro and an interesting essay at the end talking a bit about Murdoch's crazy private life. My faves included:
- Star-Fisher
- Poem for A, who asked for one when I was feeling uninspired
- Musical Evening for Three
- For B, who tried to persuade me of something in a somewhat Freudian metaphysical poem
- The "Conversations with a Prince" series of poems
- A Fallen Tree in the University Parks
I got this book out from the library but I'm sure I'll be reborrowing or buying it at some point to have a re-read!
- Star-Fisher
- Poem for A, who asked for one when I was feeling uninspired
- Musical Evening for Three
- For B, who tried to persuade me of something in a somewhat Freudian metaphysical poem
- The "Conversations with a Prince" series of poems
- A Fallen Tree in the University Parks
I got this book out from the library but I'm sure I'll be reborrowing or buying it at some point to have a re-read!
February 3, 2026
Queer feminist icon, Iris Murdoc they could never make me hate you
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February 15, 2026IM will always have a special place in my heart not the least because her name (and that of John Bayley) hangs next to the door to my library. Oxford to Paddington is really touching.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews