WHAT

by John Cooper Clarke
WHAT cover
Good Books rating 4.58
Poetry
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  • ID: 2280
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781035033195
  • Publisher: Picador UK
  • Published: 2025-04-29
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Dr. John Cooper Clarke, the renowned 'Poet Laureate of Punk,' returns with a fresh collection of poems that continue his tradition of biting wit and sharp observations on modern life. Known for his rapid-fire delivery and acerbic take on everyday situations, Clarke's latest work promises to be both a reflection on our times and a celebration of his signature style. This collection is a follow-up to his previous critically acclaimed works, and it maintains his ability to find humor and profundity in the mundane. Clarke's poetry is both accessible and incisive, making him a beloved figure in both literary circles and popular culture. His unique voice and perspective ensure that this new collection will resonate with long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Reviews
Book Munch · 2025-02-17
excellent 4.75

The collection is described as another belting set of poems, blending new and old works seamlessly. It is seen as a continuation of Clarke's unique style.

This review describes the collection as another belting set of poems, much like Clarke's previous work. It seamlessly blends new and old poems, showcasing his enduring talent. The reviewer appreciates the variety and depth in the collection, highlighting how Clarke's unique style continues to resonate with readers. The poems are seen as a testament to Clarke's ability to capture the essence of his experiences and convey them in a way that is both engaging and memorable.

Quick quotes

    Dr John is back, folks, and – as with 2018's The Luckiest Guy Alive – what we have here are poems new and old sandwiched between lovely

    Vivid and alive, with a sensitivity only a writer with a life as varied and extraordinary as Cooper Clarke's could summon, WHAT is an exceptional collection

    In WHAT, the original 'People's Poet' comes storming out of the gate with an uproarious collection, reminding us why he is one of Britain's most beloved

Goodreads · Alex Turner · 2024-05-07
great 4.50

The poems are described as dazzling and scabrous, with a voice that has reverberated through pop culture for decades. They are seen as a testament to Clarke's enduring influence.

Alex Turner describes the poems as nothing short of dazzling, highlighting Clarke's scabrous voice that has had a significant impact on pop culture. The reviewer appreciates the timeless quality of Clarke's work, which continues to resonate with audiences. The collection is seen as a testament to Clarke's enduring influence and his ability to capture the essence of his experiences in a way that is both powerful and memorable. The poems are praised for their ability to engage and entertain, making them a standout read.

Quick quotes

    'Nothing short of dazzling' – Alex Turner

    Dr John Cooper Clarke's dazzling, scabrous voice has reverberated through pop culture for decades

    All poems are in flow and makes you feel like a legendary poet like John Cooper

The Guardian · 2024-05-03
brilliant 4.50

The poems are praised for their wordplay, whimsical humor, and sharp social commentary. They capture the essence of John Cooper Clarke's distinctive voice.

This collection is celebrated for its vintage Clarke style, filled with clever wordplay and a touch of whimsical humor. The poems are threaded with sharp social commentary, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking. The reviewer highlights how Clarke's distinctive voice shines through, making the poems feel alive and relevant. It's a collection that showcases Clarke's ability to blend humor with serious social issues, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    These poems are vintage Clarke: full of wordplay and whimsical humour and threaded with sharp social commentary.

    A big-hearted poet of boundless humour and unmistakable style, Clarke has written some of the catchiest contemporary ballads about social injustice.

    These are poems that declaim from the printed pages, ringing distinctly with Cooper Clarke's distinctive voice, a twin blade of the sardonic and the empathetic.

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