Stepping Stones. Interviews with Seamus Heaney. London: Faber & Faber, 2008. First Edition, First Issue. Pp xxix, 524. Illustrated with photographs. A fine bright copy.

The conversations are beautifully and meticulously supplemented with never-before-published vintage photographs from the poet’s personal archives, a Chronology, a Biographical Glossary, and an invaluable Index.

‘In response to firm but subtle questioning from Dennis O’Driscoll, Seamus Heaney sheds a personal light on his work (poems, essays, translations, plays) and on the artistic and ethical challenges he faced during the dark years of the Ulster Troubles. Combining the spontaneity of animated conversation with the considered qualities of the best autobiographical writing, ‘Stepping Stones’ provides an original, diverting, and absorbing store of reflections, opinions, and recollections.’