Although modern developments in medical science have produced some dramatic benefits, they have also raised difficult and sometimes controversial moral and legal questions. How much information should a physician give to a patient? If preserving life means increasing suffering, should every means be exercised to prolong life? Should we screen the population and reduce the reproductive freedom of individuals with genetic diseases? In an era of staggering increases in health care costs, should the new medical benefits go to those who can afford them or should the government devise systems that...

In 'The Hoop', his first book of poems, John Burnside takes his bearings from Celtic mythology and from landscape, especially that of Gloucestershire. 'The things that contribute to how I work are botanical texts and drawings, fairy stories, Celtic and Romance literature.' The originality of his work lies in its themes - stewardship of the land, a sense that landscape by being described is valued and preserved - and in his disciplined eye and ear.

John Burnside ist nicht nur ein großartiger Romanautor, sondern auch der bedeutendste schottische Dichter der Gegenwart. Burnsides Lyrik handelt von einfachen Ereignissen: eine Hafenszene, eine Zugfahrt, Tiere, die durch das Licht der Scheinwerfer huschen. Seine Betrachtungen der Natur - seien es Wasserlandschaften in Schottland oder der Gesang einer Amsel - sind Fragen nach dem Rätsel des Seins, gestellt in unaufdringlichem Ton. Mit einer luziden, leuchtenden Sprache erkundet Burnside in seinen Gedichten den unsichtbaren Raum zwischen den Dingen an der Schwelle des Unerhörten.