Ten Years in an Open Necked Shirt

Arrived quickly and securely. Great little book, bought as a present.

John Cooper Clarke burst onto the scene during the mid seventies, during the birth of punk rock. He was championed by Tony Wilson, on programmes such as "so it goes" Looking like a skeletal version of Bob Dylan (Circa 1965), He unleashed his poetry upon the world...well, the North West, at first, and, basically made poetry accessible to the working class, and influenced future generations of poets, earning him the title "The bard of Salford". John Cooper Clarke's live performances are legendary, as are his retorts to hecklers.." I can't hear what you're saying, your mouth is full of shit" springs to mind. This book is a brilliant collection of poems from the early part of his career. It is funny, cynical, satirical, and poignant. This is the work of a man who is at the top of his game. No collection of modern poetry is complete without this volume from Dr. Clarke.

Brilliant book - was a gift!

This is a Xmas gift which I know will be appreciated. I’m a fan of Dr. John Cooper Clark, having cds of his work, I may actually order another for myself 😊

Vital poetry. Have loved him since the 70's when I bought my first copy of this and listtened to him on John Peel's show.

This is punchy, witty accessible poetry...Dr John Cooper Clarke at his best.

Great book. Should have got this sooner. Some of the references in the poems evoke the age.

I bought this book during it's initial release in 1983 and loved all of the poems. Then, after a number of changes of address, I lost my copy and have been looking for another copy ever since. The search proved fruitless until now that "Ten Years in an Open Necked Shirt" has been re-released. This is a collection of John Cooper Clarke's idiomatic poetry. JCC was the foremost poet of the original Punk movement of the late 70s. This is nothing like the poetry that you were forced to read in school, if schools taught these poems more people would love poetry, but be warned, these poems are not suitable for a younger audience. Clarke covers many different subjects and moods, ranging from the delightfully silly "you never see a nipple in the daily express" to the bleak "beazley street" and covers many diverse subjects such as: racism, poverty, capital punishment, love, hate, sex, exercise, etc. With this book you also get the totally fictitious autobiography of the Bard of Salford.

Love JCC. Great collection of poetry. Wish he was more prolific as I really enjoy his stuff.

Dr. Clarke is a phenomenally fun poet, both to hear and to read. After buying and reading this collection of poems, I’ve gone on to share the book with several friends. I like to reread these poems to help with my own writers’-block, or just as an amusing read on an ordinary day. I am currently waiting for the Doc’s next book, The Luckiest Guy Alive, in the mail and I am very excited!

A modern classic

Came in the condition, as listed.

I bought this book in fond memory of hearing John Cooper Clarke live. If you are a fan, this is the book to get :o))