Best Book Publishers UK | Austin Macauley Publishers
  • Colours
    paperback
    Colours
    Harold Mikal Smart

    The poet, a West Indian with roots in visual art, uses the word ‘Colours’ as a verb, inviting you to paint him as a lover, dreamer, friend, observer, anti-colonial, and thinker on the subject of death: his own. Each ‘colour’ represents a blend of real and imagined experiences from an individual deeply in love with words and rhyme. In this collection, he shares poems that explore the spectrum of his life: the vivid hues of a husband, father, friend, teacher, and many other adventurous roles that have shaped the palette of his colours.

    £7.99
  • Monkeys and Trumpets, A Collection of Poetry
    paperback
    Monkeys and Trumpets, A Collection of Poetry
    Joelle O’Neill

    Monkeys and Trumpets is a bold, eclectic collection of modern poetry for adults, delving into raw and gritty themes such as immigration, class, gender, culture, mental illness, relationships, grief, and politics. What sets this collection apart is its unapologetic authenticity, offering poems that resonate with real people facing real societal and personal challenges. Accessible to readers from all walks of life, this is poetry for everyone, whether you’re on the tube, on the factory floor, or relaxing in an armchair. Monkeys and Trumpets speaks directly to the modern reader, cutting through barriers with its unflinching honesty and relatable style.

    £6.99
  • Monsters
    paperback
    Monsters
    Enya Grey

    For she knows that she is his creation, a monster herself.

    So she tries to fit in and become somebody else.

    The forced noise of happiness births from her stapled lips.

    She ravages and mauls at her skin, not a sound of pain as she begins to rip.

    Even with her mask in place, she does not belong here, even when in disguise.

    They can see straight through to her soul through her transparent eyes.

    There they source innocence and naivety, hope, and ignorance.

    And so, the man they call Narcissus, asks her to dance.

    And so, begins the story all over again.

    Into his arms she was beckoned in.

    Hope raped by Narcissus birthed a gorgon conception.

    Birthed a child who shook her head at love and any form of affection.

    £5.99
  • Big With Jest
    paperback
    Big With Jest
    Owen Osler

    This little book is truly Big with Jest, a tour de force of amusement. The poems come from the author’s observation of people, things he has seen, conversations he has heard, and memories from his own life. Themes range widely – including the snappy way youngsters speak, artists, and cold callers, to name just a few – uniquely creating a jocular take on the human condition and modern life. Take a copy home, read it at your dinner parties. It will enhance the food and celebrate the wine, or just dip into it at the end of a busy day. These poems cannot help but make us laugh. When Christmas and birthdays come around and you want to give something different… Well… you have it in your hands.

    £6.99
  • The Letter Box
    paperback
    The Letter Box
    Paul Matthew St Pierre

    Two definitions: Poetry is human speech. Poetry is maximal language. The Letter Box is both. In the ancient Chinese form Qing Ping, syllabic verse comprising two quatrains (4/5/7/6, 6/6/6/6), the poems are spare and lucid, eminently readable. Yet, dense in syntax, prosody, imagery, and allusion, they can be demanding, lending themselves to contemplation and explication. They are also funny and sardonic. The nostalgic voice, in reference to letters and other old forms, is wry and double-edged. The human speech is primarily mine – of course, the authorial voice. But each poem also has a speaker independent of me. The maximal language? That is also my responsibility. But it is principally your language as interpreters with the power – by reading them aloud – to make the poems your own.


    The Letter Box

    Writers, readers,

    Senders, receivers,

    Signifiers, signifieds,

    Once connected us all.

    Look in the letter box,

    There you’ll find a packet,

    Open it now, and read

    My hundred poems for you.

    £7.99
  • Tracks of My Tears
    paperback
    Tracks of My Tears
    Paul Hollingworth

    Tracks of My Tears is a selection of poems by Paul Hollingworth.

    Hollingworth utilises varied styles, including the Sestina form, to play with themes which touch our lives in one form or another. He sees every poem as a ghost story and a space to create thought on eternal issues such as loss, love, change, ecology, time, history, markets and identity. He takes us at different moments on a philosophical and poetic journey to the Peruvian and Colombian Andes, to London, to Venice, to Andalucia and to Dorset in order to discover magic, change, and dystopia. He writes about UK riots and Covid-19.

    There are many ghosts here: teachers, friends, poets and philosophers. People who shaped who we once were and are today. Real, rather than fake, influencers. There are ghostly locations everywhere too.

    The collection is a pondering for all of us to question what we hear or read and “certain or safe” beliefs about where we belong, to value what is sacred within human life, and to fight for truth and authenticity as well as acceptance of others rather than lose ourselves to unscientific easy opinions and conspiracy theories despite our natural susceptibilities, flaws and failings.

    £7.99
  • Poetic Gibberish
    paperback
    Poetic Gibberish
    Karum Singh Cheema

    You could’ve been anywhere at any time,
    But here you are,
    Right in this very moment.
    They say everything in this universe happens for a reason.
    We’re led down paths for a purpose.

    Something drew you to this book,
    Maybe it’s meant for you.
    We don’t come across things by chance.
    Open up,

    You might find out we’re both more alike than you think.

    £6.99
  • The University of Life and other Poems
    paperback
    The University of Life and other Poems
    Vivienne Attwood-Smith

    This book is a buffet for the brain and a Michelin-star menu for the mind. Educational, inspirational, motivational, and soulfully sophisticated, these poems are crafted to tantalize your literary tastebuds and leave you craving more.

    Inspired by the rich ingredients of life experience and finished with a delicate garnish of grace, this collection offers a feast of flavours designed to satisfy your poetic palate.

    Within these pages, you’ll find verses that speak to the heart, whether socially, spiritually, or scholastically.

    I invite you to dine with me and savour a poem that resonates with your soul. Bon appétit.

    £6.99
  • Lines from the Soul
    paperback
    Lines from the Soul
    F P McArthur

    Are you ready to embrace the joy of creativity? This book isn’t about perfection or mastery, it’s about taking the first step, exploring new possibilities, and discovering the happiness that emerges when you let your imagination take flight.

    Through heartfelt reflections, practical insights, and inspiring prompts, this book encourages you to pick up a pen, paintbrush, or any tool of expression, no matter your background or experience. It’s a call to action for anyone who has ever doubted their creative potential or felt held back by fear of judgment.

    Author and coach Finlay shares his own journey of expression, from the unstructured world of being autistic to the boundless realm of creativity. His mission is simple yet profound: to empower you to find your unique voice and remind you that being creative is for everyone. So take a leap, set aside doubt, and let your creativity shine.

    £9.99
  • Growing Pains
    paperback
    Growing Pains
    Sophie Faria

    “Let’s face it, life is often tough.Sometimes, it’s wonderful.But it’s always absolutely extraordinary.”Growing Pains explores some of the challenges young people face as they navigate the often-slippery journey of growing up – the funny, the serious, and the deeply heart-wrenching.Young people are many things: nervous, scared, and excited, but also brave, insightful, and strong. I hope these poems, in some way, paint a picture of these incredible young souls.

    £7.99
  • Judge My Soul
    paperback
    Judge My Soul
    Katie Hanlon

    Betrayal, depression, loneliness, pressure, desire – emotions that shape everyday life, yet we often struggle to accept their presence. They’re woven into every moment, every memory, and every decision, both made and unmade, even within our most mundane routines. Whether we’re waking up, trying to sleep, or feeling at peace, these emotions remain.

    Though our routines may differ, this struggle is universal and worth celebrating.

    In those moments, we can choose to ignore our emotions or to bottle them up. Or we can express them, no matter how small or fragile they may seem. Find solace in these poems that explore the simple moments we all share yet experience so uniquely.

    £5.99
  • The Chameleon of Choice
    paperback
    The Chameleon of Choice
    Alison Huckvale

    The Chameleon of Choice by Alison Huckvale is her second collection of verses and poetry, whereby venturing down a rabbit hole can still be achieved wearing purple Dr Marten boots. Alison detonates gender, race, and ethnicity and puts feeling into fandango as a substitute for distress. Making choices and colour changes, she likens herself to a chameleon, where fear is replaced by impatience and the concept of affection is shut down.


    John Hegley: “I am gladdened by the colours in both the writing and the images of chameleons and the biscuit tin. It is most reassuring to hear of a vulnerable phoenix.”


    Rob Gee: “A rewarding symbiosis of poetry and visual art... Amongst other things, this book shows us the wisdom of finding joy in simple pleasures. Some lovely illustrations too.”


    Helen Mort: “Alison writes poems from the heart. The Chameleon of Choice is an enlightening, bold, engaging collection.”

    £12.99

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience and for marketing purposes.
By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies