A poet grapples with the enduring concepts of beauty and tradition across nearly three decades of work. Peter Russell's selected poems, spanning from 1947 to 1975, offer a comprehensive look at his dedication to what he and his mentor Ezra Pound considered the 'greatest imaginative and philosophical conception of the European tradition.' This collection showcases the breadth of his poetic vision, exploring themes that resonate with classical and philosophical underpinnings. The poems are a testament to his commitment to preserving and reinterpreting these profound ideas through his art.

Kathleen Raine's commendation highlights Peter Russell's steadfast adherence to a profound European tradition, particularly his focus on 'the Beautiful.' This selection of poems from 1947 to 1975 serves as a testament to his dedication to these enduring concepts. The work is characterized by its philosophical depth and imaginative scope, reflecting a poet who consciously engaged with significant literary and philosophical lineages. Readers interested in the continuity of classical and philosophical thought within modern poetry will find this collection a significant exploration of those themes.