Synopsis "Hidden Words" comprises Spike Milligan's three previously published books of poetry for adults: "Small Dreams of a Scorpion", "Open Heart University", and "The Mirror Running", together with many previously unpublished and recent poems. Reviews Great for any day As the poems in this book are from such a long period of time, they are also mentally very varied. All in all, it is indeed a book that will make you laugh and cry. Occasionally even both simultaneously. Some poems are beautifully simple and charming, while others may strive for more complexity of ideas and imagery. For Spike fans, a treasure to be valued, as it gives a very diverse picture of him. It is a good book to read in any state of mind - you are sure to find a thought or two. Small Dreams of a Scorpion Growing up in England Spike Milligan was a household name in comedy; crazy, insane comedy. In my early twenties I found a little orange poetry book - Small Dreams of a Scorpion, by Spike Milligan. I couldn't believe the same man I had laughed at all my growing years was the author. I couldn't put it down. This book will make you smile, it will make you cry and it will make you think. I have never stopped thinking of his words - I can feel them now Spike Milligan being serious? You are not serious! I knew Spike Milligan could make me laugh - I didn't know he could also make me cry. Spike is a poet who will make you think, make you see things in a way you never considered, and never thought possible - and if you have a heart, he will break it for you. 'Growing Up II' has to be one of the saddest poems ever written. If I had any influence at all, I'd make sure Spike's poetry was taught in every school in the land. THIS BOOK LIFTS THE SPIRIT WITH HUMOR AND SADNESS I HAVE READ THIS BOOK TIME AND TIME AGAIN, I HAVE FOUND IT INSPIRING. I WAS ABLE TO RELATE TO SPIKE AS I HAVE HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCES IN MY LIFE. SPIKE IS ABLE TO SHOW LIFE IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT THROUGH HIS WRITING. AS A PERSON WHOM HAS BEEN INSPIRED IN MY OWN WRITTING OF POETRY I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. How peotry should be..... I bought this book on the strength of one poem spike read on "an audience with......" on ITV. It managed to shut Rolf Harris up for a bit so u can imagine its brilliance, it went like so: This evening in the twilights gloom, A Butterfly flew in my room, Oh what beauty, Oh what grace, Who needs visitors from outer space? To my complete satisfaction the rest of the book was in a similarly superb, and digestable vein. Some of the poems written for his daughter are awe inspiring, and in such stark contrast to some of the deeply black peaces earlier in the book it comes as quite a shock. A Different Spike Spike Milligan seems to have been afforded legend status in England for his comic genius. It is only when you read this book that you can begin to understand the source of his often baffling irreverence. The book in itself is a masterpiece of diversity. It effortlessly switches from writings about his manic depression to soapbox type rants to the childish verse he wrote for his kids for which he has become well known. This book is almost more autobiographical than his famous war memoirs. It certainly gives you a rarely seen insight into his life. If you are a lover of Spike Milligan buy this book, If you are a lover of poetry, buy this book, if you want to laugh out loud and then be humbled, buy this book. | ||
