On Scottish Ground a New World Outlook

National Library of Scotland to host the launch of new book on the work of Kenneth White

The National Library of Scotland is hosting the launch of Grounding a World. Essays on the work of Kenneth White on Friday 22 April, 7pm, at the Library's George IV Bridge Building, Edinburgh. The launch will be attended by two of the editors and by Kenneth White, who will give a short speech.

Edited by Gavin Bowd, Charles Forsdick and Norman Bissell, Grounding a World is the first comprehensive analysis in the English language of the work of Kenneth White, the internationally renowned Scottish poet, prose writer, essayist and teacher.

Norman Bissell, co-editor, says: 'Grounding a World is a rich and accessible sourcebook for both serious students of the work of Kenneth White and those new to it who are on the look-out for something with real innovative power on the intellectual, literary, cultural and political horizon. The book contains 17 new essays which give fresh insights into White's work by scholars and authors from Scotland, France, Morocco, Italy and England who have unrivalled knowledge of this live mind and original voice.'

Kenneth White also contributes a new essay, which sets out his ideas for radical cultural renewal based on geopoetics.

This new book about Kenneth White is one of the very few substantial critical studies devoted to a living Scottish poet and writer, and is an indication of the growing recognition of the significance of his work in his native land as well as internationally.

The National Library of Scotland holds the national collection of the papers and publications of Kenneth White. These include correspondence, manuscripts, typescripts, and proofs of prose work. For example, the Library holds the collection of corrected drafts and typescripts of 11 series of poems, ca 1960-1963, dating from before the publication of Wild Coal, his first collection of poems.

If you would like to attend the launch, or for further information, please contact Norman Bissell on 0141 959 6033, or e-mail norman@rbissell.fsnet.co.uk.

National Library of Scotland
George IV Bridge
Edinburgh
EH1 1EW

Tel: 0131-226 4531

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17 April 2005