Catherine Cookson’s final published work shows her at her most intimate and inspirational.

From the earliest poem, written when she was 19 years old, to poetry written just before her death in 1998 at the age of 91, this anthology spans the gamut of Catherine Cookson’s life and work. The collection draws on many themes that will be familiar to readers of this much-loved writer: love, work, class and the beauty of nature. She also shares more personal thoughts, reflections on her own writing, marriage to her beloved Tom, and life in the north of England.

The poems are characterized by her down-to-earth common sense, and the hard-won philosophy she developed for herself. In “Brushed Nylon,” she tackles the subject of a failed relationship, while “The Daily Round” takes a look at working life. “Slow Me Down” talks of her feelings about growing old, and “The Joy of the Country” recalls a holiday in Wales.

Catherine Cookson remains one of the world’s favourite storytellers. She completed an astonishing 104 works in her lifetime, books which continue to bring pleasure to millions of readers.