The history and character of Edinburgh infuse every piece in Stewart Conn’s new collection. Stewart’s poems, paired with John Knight’s beautifully detailed illustrations, evoke the spirit of the city and its unique aspects. Knight’s pieces are not simply illustrative. The poems and illustrations complement and enhance each other, showing us how the essence of the city infuses every stone.
The book of poems is seamlessly punctuated with delicate drawings by John Knight. Through Conn's words and Knight's images, they manage to translate the feeling of Edinburgh onto paper. Having spent two decades living in Glasgow, Conn observes the folk of Edinburgh with fresh eyes and notices things in a way locals may not. Knight's drawings, in both black and white and colour, give real life to this charming collection of poems.
‘Scotland Street Press have produced a pocket inspiration for our impressions of Old Town and New. Everyone who loves Edinburgh will cherish this book. It is heartening to turn the pages of this perceptive and finely realised response to the city’s beauty in poetry and drawing.’
'Stewart Conn’s ability to transcribe the city and unearth its character has not faded with time’
‘North-east the Firth, a bracelet
merging with mist; south-west
the Pentlands, sharply defined.
Directly opposite, the Castle.
A sudden gust makes me lose
my footing. Gulls slip past,
eyeing us disdainfully.’
