Downingfield Press has secured the rights to two exceptional collections by talented Irish-Australian poet, Nathanael O’Reilly. Following the unexpected closure of the former Beir Bua Press, Downingfield is delighted to help bring these literary gems back into print (and eBook).

Selected Poems of Ned Kelly

Scheduled for release in January 2024 after only being briefly available prior to the closure of Beir Bua, O’Reilly’s collection takes a captivating dive into the world of the infamous Irish-Australian bushranger, Ned Kelly. Through skilful use of Kelly’s own words from iconic texts like ‘The Jerilderie Letter,’ ‘The Cameron Letter,’ ‘The Babington Letter,’ and ‘The O’Loghlen Letter,’ O’Reilly weaves a poetic tapestry that mirrors Kelly’s unique style.

Inspired by literary greats such as Peter Carey and Ian Jones, O’Reilly’s collection raises a fascinating question: What if Ned Kelly were a poet? Find out in this upcoming release!

Boulevard

Set for an early 2024 re-debut, Boulevard is O’Reilly’s response to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Unable to travel, the poet turns his lens to the local, crafting a book-length poem exploring the intricacies of a street and its neighbourhood over the course of a pandemic year.

Diverging from traditional travel-centric poetry, Boulevard captures the beauty in the ordinary, bringing poetry to the author’s doorstep. Inspired by works like Basil Bunting’s Briggflatts and Alex Lemon’s Another Last Day, O’Reilly immerses readers in the poetry of the everyday.

Meet Nathanael O’Reilly

An Irish-Australian poet and creative writing instructor at the University of Texas at Arlington, O’Reilly boasts ten collections, including the soon-to-be-released Selected Poems of Ned Kelly. His work has been featured in journals worldwide, making him a notable name in contemporary poetry.

Downingfield Press is thrilled to bring O’Reilly’s extraordinary works back into print after the closure of Beir Bua Press. This acquisition reaffirms our commitment to preserving and promoting exceptional voices in the literary world.

Downingfield Press invites you to embark on a journey through history, culture, and the everyday – all beautifully encapsulated in the evocative verses of Nathanael O’Reilly. Selected Poems of Ned Kelly and Boulevard will be available at all fine bookshops, with publication details to be available in the coming weeks.

Image by Siggy Nowak from Pixabay