Beyond the Sun

For years Scotland has nurtured the relationship between literature and art. Indeed, many of Scotland's finest writers began their careers at art school - Alasdair Gray, John Byrne and Liz Lochhead, amongst others. It is a connection to cherish. Beyond the Sun adds a further dimension to this flowering relationship between poetry and painting. In September 2005, readers of The Herald newspaper voted for their ten favourite paintings in Scotland. Topping the list was the stunning Salvador Dali's Christ of St John of the Cross, but also included were poignant classics such as Avril Paton's Windows in the West and Sir Henry Raeburn's Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch. Edwin Morgan, Scotland's most popular poet, was so fascinated and inspired by these paintings that he immediately penned a poem to honour each one, and sent the handwritten originals to Lesley Duncan, poetry editor at The Herald. These poems perfectly complement the paintings and the result is a moving collection which comes at a time when Scotland is yet again defining its cultural status in the world with the re-opening of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The book begins with introductory essays by Lesley Duncan and Alan Riach, Professor of Scottish Literature at Glasgow University, and ends with a touching afterword by Glasgow's Poet Laureate, Liz Lochhead.