Verse and Worse

This book of poetry will appeal to those who can see life from a different perspective; for example, the author’s poem on Trousers, reflecting a different view of these everyday garments. His writing is both innovative and sometimes intense whilst also being humorous, such as Knickers and Bras and It’s the Dog that gets the Blame. His writing can also be political and controversial like his poem Black is White and can contain clear messages for political leaders.

The author’s insight into the lives of different people, as shown in Actors and Disability, shows a refreshing and informative view of life. His love of the countryside is clearly demonstrated in Beauty of the Countryside and in other poems. His writing is more punchy than mellifluous, reflecting his unique style of composition.

This collection of poetry is a worthy addition to the genre.

The author married in 1959 and has a daughter, two sons and two grandsons. He attended the John Lyon School, Harrow and won many cups for running. His dyslexia went unrecognised although, unusually, his best subject was English Grammar. His main interests are history, art, gardening and writing poetry.

He served his national service as a radar operator in the Royal Air Force after which he joined a company of East India Merchants. He studied at the City of London College and became a chartered secretary. A keen volunteer, he was elected vice-chairman of the British Dyslexia Association in 1977. In 1987 he and his wife were founder members of the European Dyslexia Association formed in Brussels, of which he became president from 1993 to 1999.

He has published reports on dyslexia and is a joint editor of The International Book of Dyslexia.