The Fire of Joy

by Clive James
The Fire of Joy cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Poetry
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Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99 Hardback • £20.00
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 2295
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781529042092
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2020-10-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

In his last completed work, Clive James shares a selection of his most beloved poems, offering personal commentary on each. From the sixteenth century to the present, these poems reflect his lifelong passion for poetry and his desire to share that enthusiasm with new generations. James' insights range from historical context to personal anecdotes, making this anthology accessible and engaging for both poetry aficionados and newcomers alike. Written with warmth and wit, 'The Fire of Joy' is a testament to James' enduring love for poetry. Whether read cover to cover or dipped into, this book opens up a world of poetic delight, celebrating the enduring power of verse to inspire and uplift.

Reviews
Mancunion · 2021-02-03
excellent 5.00

This book is highly recommended as a way into poetry, evoking a range of emotions and even inspiring the urge to recite. The author's insightful and entertaining approach makes it a standout collection.

This reviewer can't recommend this book highly enough for anyone looking to explore poetry. It's a collection that will make you laugh, cry, and even feel the urge to recite the poems aloud. The author's unique perspective and entertaining style make this a must-read for poetry lovers and newcomers alike. The book is not just a collection of poems but a journey through the author's love and understanding of poetry, making it a truly special read.

Quick quotes

    If you want a way into poetry, I can't recommend this book highly enough.

    You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you might even get the urge to recite.

    Clive James is insightful and entertaining in this, his last book.

Gruts · 2021-01-24
good 4.00

The book is a funny and intelligent collection that honors the author's legacy, despite not fully converting the reader to poetry.

This reviewer found the book to be a funny and intelligent collection that pays tribute to the author's wit and wisdom. While it didn't fully convert them to poetry, they appreciated the effort and the author's unique approach. The book is a testament to the author's love for poetry and his ability to make it accessible and enjoyable for readers. It's a great addition to any bookshelf, especially for those who enjoy the author's previous works.

Quick quotes

    A funny, intelligent man who will be greatly missed.

    And a very good book, despite its failure to make the scales fall from my eyes.

    Buy it for the writing, buy it for the wit and buy it for the man.

The Times · 2020-09-23
great 4.50

The book is described as a proper pleasure, fun and fight-picking, wise and persuasive, making it a treasure trove of poetic pleasure.

This reviewer found the book to be a proper pleasure, filled with fun and wisdom. The author's persuasive writing style makes the collection a treasure trove of poetic pleasure. It's a book that engages the reader from start to finish, offering a unique perspective on poetry. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to make poetry accessible and enjoyable, making this a must-read for anyone interested in the genre.

Quick quotes

    The Fire of Joy is a proper pleasure.

    Fun and fight-picking, wise and persuasive.

    James loves a layman and, by the end, the layman certainly loves James.

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