Product Description

Further Requirements gathers together the many interviews, broadcasts, statements and reviews that were omitted from Required Writing. Taken altogether this collection fills in a consistent but sometimes unexpected portrait of Philip Larkin - mordant, intolerant, generous, but always himself. It will give great pleasure to all admirers of his work.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #332036 in Books
• Published on: 2002-11-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 416 pages

About the Author
Philip Larkin's poetry published by Faber includes The North Ship, The Whitsun Weddings and High Windows.

Customer Reviews

Here are the missing links to Larkin
Mr Thwaite is recognised as 'the' authority on the life and work of the late Poet Philip Larkin, despite a tremendous biography by Andrew Motion. In this volume, Mr Thwaite brings together many reviews and cover notes by Larkin, as well as interviews and statements, all previously missing in one collective. Highlights must surely be Larkin's 'Desert Island Discs' interview (previously unavailable as a script and an addition that the BBC seemingly will not repeat broadcast), and Larkin's notes and views on Betjeman. The 'Betjeman' pieces clearly show not only a total understanding by Larkin, but also a deeply felt admiration of a fellow Poet. In this book, and that of it's volume predecessor "Required Writing" Mr Thwaite ensures that 'us' readers are brought into context/focus with Larkin's real voice, the one on the page but also the one spoken publicly. Assuming that you believe the 'voice' coming through, only now can we Larkin fans appreciate why the man went through so much isolation reclusiveness and self imposed withdrawal. Mr Larkin was a powerful medium and there is now no doubting that he was sharp, full of wit when deemed appropriate, but above all totally at peace with his pace but at odds with a changing world. May I commend Mr Thwaite on this splendid volume and convey the need for Faber & Faber to reprint without delay, "Required Writing." Given the popularity of Larkin today, Mr Thwaite's editorial work must encourage repeats of the BBC's "Moniter" programme and other gems such as the radio programme already mentioned. In Mr Larkin's voice, "...this be the verse!" and this book "Further Requirements" be worthy of purchase.