Bill Manhire: Wow

Word Christchurch Festival

31 October 2020 | WORD Christchurch Spring Festival Bill Manhire is not only one of our leading poets but was a mentor to hundreds through the International Institute of Modern Letters, where he established the MA in Creative Writing, which for a long time was simply known as ‘Bill Manhire’s writing course.’ American writer Teju Cole says of Manhire, ‘… he’s unquestionably world-class. As with Seamus Heaney, you get a sense of someone with a steady hand on the tiller, and both the will and the craft to take your breath away.’ In the title poem of Manhire’s new collection, we hear a baby say Wow to life. Join the poet and his ex-student of Modern Poetry, John Campbell, for readings and conversation, featuring Manhire’s signature wordplay and humour.