A Spell to Bless the Silence

A powerful collection of selected poems from one of Ulster's most influential voices, exploring themes of Irish identity, loss, and memory.

John Montague's poems reflect the political and sectarian divide of his native County Tyrone, his Catholic upbringing, and a ritualized lifestyle that is fast fading from view. This selection, undertaken by Montague and Elizabeth Wassell, includes work from fourteen volumes written over more than fifty years, showcasing his American and European interests alongside his Irish roots. Montague's work serves as a bridge to a younger generation of Irish poets, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of Irish identity and the enduring power of poetry.