On Shakespeare’s Sonnets: A Poets’ Celebration

In the four hundred years since Shakespeare’s death, the Sonnets have invited imitation, homage, critique, parody and pastiche. These new poems probe our relationship to the Sonnets’ intricate form and ambitious scope, their investigation of sexuality, wit, memory and poetic survival. These sonnets and longer lyrics explore what it means to write ‘on Shakespeare’s Sonnets’ in the 21st century. Published in association with the Royal Society of Literature contributing poets include: Andrew Motion, Carol Ann Duffy, Gillian Clarke, Paul Muldoon, Ruth Padel, Simon Armitage, Roger McGough and Jo Shapcott.