Description

Colin is well known for his books on environmental issues and for his walkers’ guides. His thought-provoking and sensitive poetry reflects his interest in the Yorkshire landscape.  As Mary Sheepshanks comments “Colin Speakman paints vivid pictures with words so that in these varied, always interesting, occasionally surprising but accessible poems we see through his perceptive eyes.” This is a collection to treasure, and at only £4.50, marvellous value.  Successful launch events were held in Leeds, Ilkley and York, and Colin also featured in the Ilkley Fringe Festival.

Some comments on People in a Landscape

 Extract from the Yorkshire Post article on Colin Speakman 17th December 2016

“Colin Speakman may be best known for his walking guides, but he has just published his fourth collection of poetry. How did a man famous for describing the prosaic intricacies of footpath gates, stiles and signposts, not to mention the best Dales bus routes for walkers that connect with the X84, manage to become a published poet? “Poetry’s always been there,” Colin Speakman says. “My background is teaching English literature and I have always regarded myself as a writer who’s turned out walking books, firstly because I love walking and the countryside, and also because there’s a demand for them. So in a way, turning to poetry gives me the freedom to focus on my more intense, personal feelings about the landscape…”

“These poems were dictated by the countryside, almost literally. He is still guiding, but delightedly. He examines familiar places with a naturalist’s perceptiveness and by bringing them into close focus he awakes childlike wonder in us all.

He has the rare gift of being able to present beauty compellingly. He shows us glorious scenes as they are, without caveat, and holds our interest.”

Tanya Parker Dream Catcher