Gerard Manley Hopkins: the Lydiate Connections

Gerard Manley Hopkins' poetry had an enormous influence on the evolution of twentieth century poetry in English, and two of his most distinctive poems were written while he was posted to the Jesuit church of St. Francis Xavier, in Liverpool. 'Felix Randal' tells of the life and death of a parishioner that the poet had ministered to. 'Spring and Fall' was composed during one of Hopkins' frequent visits to the village of Lydiate, where he was sent to say Mass at Rose Hill House. This local guide reflects particularly on what might have inspired the poem: the countryside, the people and Hopkins' own life.It includes specially-commissioned artwork by Susan Hodgkins, and concludes with a local guided walk and an Afterword by the renowned Hopkins scholar, Professor Joseph Feeney S.J. Proceeds from the sale of this book will be given to the charity, Hospice Africa.