The history and character of Edinburgh infuse every poem 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 drawings are not simply illustrative. The poems and illustrations complement and enhance each other, showing us the essence of the city in every stone.
The history and character of Edinburgh infuse every poem 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 drawings are not simply illustrative. The poems and illustrations complement and enhance each other, showing us the essence of the city in 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’
Aspects of Edinburgh is simply beautiful. It comprises Stewart Conn’s Edinburgh poems interleaved with richly detailed drawings and water colours by John Knight. The whole thing is a gorgeous experience. Buy it instead of a soul-less greetings card for someone you care about.
Aspects of Edinburgh is a delightful expression of a unity and completeness of vision. There is a unity of detail, a journey - a kind of pilgrimage - through the city; a rare unity of text and illustration. Each completely complements, and compliments, the other.
‘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.’