The Illustrated Poems of John Betjeman

by John Betjeman, David Gentleman (Illustrator)

Book by Betjeman, John, Sir

Genres: Poetry

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant word pictures by Betjeman, particularly in the Church, People and Places section of the book while the Love section starts the book off charmingly with some loving verse, particularly 'The Cockney Amorist' and the last verse of that poem is something I can really empathise with. I probably like the poem so much as my late wife was born within the sound of Bow Bells (Shoreditch)!

The last section entitled 'Death 'is something I could have done without because of the sentiments expressed but the poems still paint a relevant picture, which is often quite moving.

All read aloud there is the Betjeman rhythm throughout, not surprisingly, and the cadence of the Betjeman voice seems to come through nicely.

[Jenny Housley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nicely presented book with illustrations. I think my favourites are
Invasion Exercise on the Poultry Farm because it’s amusing
Death in Leamington because it’s so sad
Tregardock because the last verse crept up on me unawares. Again very sad.