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| Candlestick Press July 2026 My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this pamphlet |
Edinburgh has always had eminent admirers; according to Robert Louis Stevenson, “Edinburgh is what Paris ought to be” while for Charlotte Brontë it was captivatingly “lyric” and “bright”. This lively and exhilarating mini-anthology reflects the many ways in which Scotland’s ancient capital city is loved by visitors and the people who live there.
There are poems celebrating the beauty of Edinburgh’s buildings and parks alongside others capturing moments in its long history and vivid life as a hub of art, music and literature. Throughout are the atmospheres created by its distinctive weathers and the proximity of the North
“The night tinkles like ice in glasses.
Leaves are glued to the pavement with frost.
The brown air fumes at the shop windows,
Tries the doors, and sidles past.”
from ‘November Night, Edinburgh’ by Norman MacCaig
The pamphlet is a perfect companion for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the many riches of this glorious city.
Poems by Janette Ayachi, Robert Burns, Jackie Kay, Marjorie Lotfi, Edwin Morgan, Hugh MacDiarmid, Norman MacCaig, Hollie McNish, Michael Pedersen and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Cover illustration by Emily Hogarth
📖 My Review..
I’ve visited the beautiful city of Edinburgh on a couple of occasions and have been impressed by its old world charm, from the majestic splendour of Edinburgh Castle, to the quirkiness of the Royal Mile with its hidden wynds, cosy cafes and tartan displaying shops, there is something that is sure to appeal to everyone. This collection of Ten Poems about Edinburgh continues the theme of places and brings to life a city which is as ancient as it is vibrantly modern.
No collection of Scottish poems is complete without Robert Burns and his long poem ‘Address to Edinburgh’ brings an eighteenth century view of the city..
“ Edina ! Scotia’s darling seat!
All hail thy palaces and tow’rs,
Where once beneath a Monarch’s feet,
Sat Legislation’s sov’reign pow’rs..”
Robert Louis Stevenson’s rich vernacular is celebrated in ‘Auld Reekie’ .. a term which refers to Edinburgh as ‘Old Smoky’ which dates from the 16th and 17th century..
“When chittering cauld the day stall daw,
Loud May your Bonnie bugles blah
And loud your drums may bear
Hue owre the land at evenfa’
Your lamps may glitter raw by raw,
Along the tawdry street..”
Beautifully presented with its nostalgic cover of the iconic Edinburgh skyline, this collection is a perfect tribute to a lively city, which is home to passionate people who care about their heritage, and who welcome visitors from all corners of the globe to share a little of the history which has made Edinburgh such a fascinating place. It would make the perfect gift instead of a card for anyone who loves the city as much as the fine poets who express their thoughts so eloquently in this collection of poems.
About the Publisher
Candlestick Press is a small, independent press publishing sumptuously produced poetry pamphlets that serve as a wonderful alternative to a greetings card, with matching envelopes and bookmarks left blank for your message. Their subjects include Mountains, Clouds, Walking, Birds, Wine and Happiness. Candlestick Press pamphlets are stocked by chain and independent bookshops, galleries and garden centres nationwide and available to order online.
Twitter/X @poetrycandle
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