Prose 1997 - 2008

by Rehan Qayoom

This volume contains all of the prose works of Rehan Qayoom from 1997 through 2008, including many little-known essays that exemplify his range, wit, depth and wisdom. The book incorporates the complete text of his first separately published book ‘Seeking Betjeman Country’ including 33 other essays, reviews, introductions and lectures. Reviews that were commissioned, but which were never printed also appear here for the first time. The variety of style and subject in this book is almost inexhaustible. He writes about the imaginary mirrors that everyone carries through life; Auden, Keats, Byron, English and Urdu poetry; and politics and religion. The introduction aims to place the essays in biographical and historical context, and the extensive textual notes and bibliography explain both the obscure and contemporary references.

About the author

Rehan Qayoom is a poet of English and Urdu, editor, translator and archivist. Educated at Birkbeck College, University of London, he has featured in numerous literary publications and performed his work internationally. He lives in London.