Poet's writings compiled into rich collection

Iain Lonie, one of New Zealand brilliant Poet  was born in England. He came to New Zealand by the time he was 10 in the middle of World War 2.

Lonie eventually lived in Dunedin, studying and lecturing in classics at the University of Otago. A friendship with Charles Brasch and others developed.

He published six collections of poetry. None sold in large numbers.

The Entrance to Purgatory (John McIndoe, 1986) was shortlisted at the 1987 New Zealand Book Awards.

Lonie had mental health issues throughout his life and took his own life in 1988.

Many of his poems have appeared in New Zealand anthologies on a whole range of subjects.

A Late Honeymoon appears in an expanded version in this latest edition.

Other poems Horace's Girlfriends, The Entrance to Purgatory andProposal at Allans Beach give the reader a local portrait of an artist at the top of his game.

. . . I'm never alone here - the place is full of ghosts.With luck, you might see oneswimming naked in a rock poolon the greyest day of the year.

It is a place for strong attachments:friends, lovers, children.I can't promise muchbut you won't forget having been herenor who you came with, and allthat followed, if it followed.

Lonie is famous for writing poems that brood over desire, death and the divine. He also knew how to pen poems that are smart, witty and full of soul.