A beautiful book of immersive poetry, based on the much-loved Poetry Unbound podcast downloaded more than 6 million times
This inspiring collection, curated by the host of the Poetry Unbound, presents fifty poems about what it means to be alive in the world today. Each poem is paired with Pádraig’s illuminating commentary that offers personal anecdotes and generous insights into the content of the poem.
Engaging, accessible and inviting, Poetry Unbound is the perfect companion for everyone who loves poetry and for anyone who wants to go deeper into poetry but doesn’t necessarily know how to do so.
Contributors include Hanif Abdurraqib, Patience Agbabi, Raymond Antrobus, Margaret Atwood, Ada Limón, Kei Miller, Roger Robinson, Lemn Sissay, Layli Long Soldier and more.
“Mesmerising, magical, deeply moving. I loved and adored this book! If you are looking for a read that will warm your heart, inspire your creative mind and renew your faith in the resilience of the human race, look no further”
Elif Shafak
See more reviews
“A poem to Pádraig is like a child to Mary Poppins. It sits, alert, in wonder that he should know it so well. I would go out at night to hear Pádraig talk of the poems. The next best thing, maybe even better, is Poetry Unbound … There should be a copy of Poetry Unbound in every bar, every café, every train station, every bus station, every airport, every workplace, every school, every university, everywhere!”
Lemn Sissay
“A wonderful anthology of poetry filled with fascinating and thought-provoking commentary from one of the best voices in contemporary poetry today”
William Sieghart
“Pádraig Ó Tuama is a bearer of light. He has been called to bring his illuminating insights into what some might consider encroaching darkness, and we are all the fortunate beneficiaries of his response. This collection of poems by fifty writers, with accompanying essays by Pádraig, is a testament to the rare fineness of feeling and understanding that mark his brilliant work for the On Being Project”
Lorna Goodison
“The Poetry Unbound podcast, and Pádraig’s way of finding language to describe the details and intricacies and the shades of grey of the human experience, have made me a better person, a better songwriter and a better artist. Pádraig’s perspectives have added so much beauty, wonder and comfort to my life, and I would urge everyone to dive into this deeply rewarding book”
Camila Cabello
Pádraig Ó Tuama is an Irish poet, conflict mediator and theologian. He presents Poetry Unbound with On Being Studios, and the series is the most successful poetry podcast ever, amassing over eight million downloads since its launch in early 2020. Pádraig travels widely, lecturing and leading retreats, and writes both poetry and prose. He lives in New York City.
@duanalla | padraigotuama.com