This volume presents a selection of Betjeman's poems. They deal with love of many sorts, with people of all kinds observed with comedy and pathos, with the places he made his own and with the church whose foibles he pinpointed so exactly.

This work presents a selection of Betjeman's poems. They deal with love of many sorts, with people of all kinds observed with both comedy and pathos, and with the places he has made his own. The illustrations, by David Gentleman, depict the spirit and feeling of place the poet is able to evoke.

John Betjeman was without question the most popular poet of the twentieth century and his poems have been bought and read by millions. He opened eyes to what before him had seemed ordinary but is now unforgettable. There is no other poet remotely like him and this collection of favourites is a perfect reminder of his extraordinary originality and appeal. It is perfect too for those who still have in store the pleasure of discovery.

Collected Poems made publishing history when it first appeared, and has now sold more than two million copies, to an ever-growing readership. This newly expanded edition includes Betjeman's verse autobiography, Summoned by Bells. With a new Introduction by Poet Laureate, Andrew Motion, Collected Poems is the definitive Betjeman companion.