Name: Selected Poems
Brand: Linton Kwesi Johnson

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

9780241994115

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Colour

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format Books GB

Paperback

Format detail

Limited edition

Release date

2022-08-04

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Penguin

Tax rate GB

Zero:0

UPC / Barcode

1 / Extended format: No / Paperback / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Linton Kwesi Johnson

Genre GB

Writing

Label GB

Linton Kwesi Johnson (aka LKJ) is a British-based author and dub poet. Born in Jamaica, he moved to Brixton, London at the age of 9. Johnson joined the English "Black Panther" group in high school, where he helped create a poetry workshop. He later became part of the "Rasta Love" group, consisting of percussionists and poets. Johnson's first book of poetry, Voices of the Living and the Dead, was published in 1974, followed by Dread Beat an' Blood in 1975 which also served as his debut album. His work gained recognition with his third book England is a Bitch in 1980 and second album Forces of Victory.
Johnson's poetry cleverly incorporates Jamaican Patois and draws inspiration from the Jamaican "toasting" tradition. He has been published in the Penguin Classics series, making him the second living poet and only black poet to achieve this honor. As a pioneer of Dub Poetry, Johnson is widely regarded as its greatest representative.
In addition to his artistic endeavors, Johnson ran his own label starting from 1991. In recognition of his political ferocity and tireless scrutiny of history through his work, he was awarded the prestigious PEN Pinter prize in 2020.

Penguin is a Greek label that acts as both a record company and distributor. With a diverse roster of talented artists, Penguin has established itself as a prominent player in the music industry.

Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, Penguin consistently delivers exceptional music across various genres. From *classical* compositions to *electronic* beats, their catalog offers something for every musical taste.

As a label, Penguin takes pride in supporting emerging talent and nurturing their careers. By providing artists with the resources they need to succeed, Penguin has helped launch the careers of many notable musicians who have gone on to achieve international acclaim.

Now including an afterword and new poems by the author and an introduction by Gary Younge Pioneering poet Linton Kwesi Johnson has revolutionized English literature with his electrifying fusion of oral verse, Jamaican speech, radical politics and reggae rhythms. This new edition of a vital selection of poems covers over four decades and includes classic early poems such as 'Inglan is a Bitch', 'New Craas Massakah' and 'Sonny's Lettah', as well as compelling recent work.

Selected Poems

Books GB