Who Wants to Buy an Expanded Edition of a Book of Poems
- Description
- About the Poet
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It feels unkind to reveal a long-held secret of Who Wants to Buy a Book of Poems? published in 1988 – the published form, known and loved for years, is quite unlike the poet’s original manuscript.
In 1998, when Landmark Books sought to introduce Gwee Li Sui, it reckoned that a slim, focused volume could showcase his distinct voice better. That decision had led to the manuscript being halved and its shape changed subtly.
Also, Who Wants to Buy a Book of Poems? was a very naughty book and, given the sensitivity of the times, a gentler text was published. The current book sees a couple of those changes reversed only because more readers today are able to bring the right frame of mind to their reading.
While reading this unexpurgated edition, you may get a pricking sense of the poet being an excitable madman. What manner of madness he suffered remains unclear. With nothing left but silly speculations, do enjoy this recovered text or to correct your enjoyment of an old book you thought you knew.
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Born in 1970, Gwee Li Sui is a former academic who now labours in the arts as a poet, writer, editor, literary critic, and graphic artist. He wrote Singapore’s first long-form graphic novel, Myth of the Stone, back in 1993 and has five books of verse to date. Gwee continues to teach at various institutions and universities. He is a popular speaker at schools and festivals and is often sought for his opinions on literature, language, and religion. He has also been on the evaluation panels of many local and international writing awards.
Cover Type: Paperback
Page Count: 76
Year Published: 2015