On Literature and Aesthetics

Description

In my craft or sullen art

Exercised in the still night

When only the moon rages

And the lovers lie abed

With all their griefs in their arms,

I labour by singing light

Not for ambition or bread

Or the strut and trade of charms

On the ivory stages

But for the common wages

Of their most secret heart.

• In My Craft or Sullen Art [extract]. by Dylan Thomas.

Nigel read these lines at age eleven and they became almost a mantra which would remain with him throughout his life. Sometimes the night was very dark, but he came through. This is a book about literature and ideas concerning literature. Nigel's life was careering out of control until 1988 when he began serious academic study with the Open University. It began when he was a patient in one of those rambling asylums and has continued since. He has gained two Bachelors of Art 2/1 and two Master's Degrees with Merit. He awaits the result of a third Master's Degree. Also being published by Chipmunkapublishing has made the journey meaningful.