Collected Poems 1941-1975. with an Introduction by Hugh Mcdiarmid (The Scottish Library)

London: John Calder. Good in Good dust jacket. 1975. First Edition Thus. Original Boards. 0714511056 . Dustjacket in plastic protective cover. Remnants and residue of sticky tape on covers, endpapers and dustjacket. With library stamps and labels. Slight wear to spine, covers, corners and dustjacket. A few small marginal tears in dustjacket. ; Sydney Goodsir Smith's "Collected Poems, 1941-1975" encapsulates the prolific and diverse output of this New Zealand-born Scottish poet, dramatist, and artist. Smith, who initially began writing poetry in English, switched to Scots under the influence of Hugh MacDiarmid during World War II. This marked the beginning of his significant contribution to the Scottish Renaissance Movement, forging a versatile poetical idiom that merged medieval Scots with contemporary Edinburgh vernacular. Smith's poetry is noted for its ability to evoke a wide range of moods and feelings, from tragic to self-mocking, tender to bawdy, through sudden shifts of register. His work often explores themes of romantic love, as evident in his masterpiece "Under the Eildon Tree", a twenty-four-part celebration of romantic love. This collection, alongside other early works like "Skail Wind", "The Wanderer and Other Poems", and "The Devil's Waltz", established Smith as a leading figure in the second wave of the Scottish Renaissance. The 1950s were a particularly productive decade for Smith, during which he published several collections that solidified his reputation. His work from this period began to assume a more overtly political and nationalistic character, and he increasingly turned to drama and writing for broadcast. Notably, his play "The Wallace", a celebration of the life of Scotland's national hero, received acclaim when performed at the Edinburgh International Festival in 1960. Smith's "Collected Poems, 1941-1975" was in production at the time of his sudden death in 1975, and it was published posthumously with an introduction by Hugh MacDiarmid. The collection includes poems mostly written in Scots dialect, showcasing Smith's lyrical talents, exuberant energy, and his ability to seamlessly interweave the sublime with the ridiculous. His poetry often reflects his deep love for Edinburgh, portraying the city in all its moods and embracing both its history and its contemporary life. Smith's contributions to literature, particularly his mastery of Scots and his role in the Scottish Renaissance, have left a lasting legacy. His works continue to be celebrated for their linguistic skill, emotional depth, and cultural significance, offering insights into both the personal experiences of the poet and the broader Scottish identity. ; Octavo; xvi, 269 pages .