David Hughes shared his love of English Literature with hundreds of students during his thirty years of teaching. His own writing – around two hundred finished poems – was for the most part unknown, its ‘diffident, modest’ author only occasionally seeking publication.

Ex Libris is, therefore, a long-awaited first chance for readers to appreciate the breadth and depth of a truly remarkable body of work. Selected and edited with great care by Antony Dunn, the poems are illuminated by a compelling introduction, offering ‘a little privileged insight’ into the circumstances surrounding their creation.

Displaying a fascinating, original approach to subjects such as the impact of war on the individual, the mountainous landscapes of northern Europe and the ecology of school, Ex Libris is a major publication which introduces a significant new voice into the canon of British poetry.

“If you only discover one writer this year, make it David Hughes – his is a poetry of generous precision, grace and gratitude.” — Helen Mort

“A wonderful collection by a poet whose work has been saved from oblivion by an act of love.” — Brian Patten