The Writers of Wales Database

HUMPHREYS, NIGEL

 Website: http://www.nigelhumphreyspoet.com/

Nigel was born at Newport, Shropshire and has lived in the Aberystwyth area for most of his adult life. Since 2003 he has published widely in numerous poetry journals such as Borderlines, Coffee House Poetry, Poetry Monthly and Roundyhouse, as well as in several anthologies.

In 2006 he won two International Poetry Competitions and was invited to read his work at the Hay-on-Wye Festival and the Edinburgh Festival. In 2007 his first collection, entitled The Hawk's Mewl, was published by Arbor Vitae Press. He also won first prize in the Decanto International Poetry Competition.

In 2009 his poems featured in the Darwin Centenary Celebrations in Shrewsbury and he was invited to read his work at the The Poetry Society's 'The Poetry Place', Covent Garden. He also took part in 'Against The Grain' with the Distillery Poets at the University Arts Centre. His second collection, entitled The Flavour of Parallel, was published by Arbor Vitae Press in April 2010.

Nigel continues to be involved with Aberyswtyth University Arts Centre Poetry Workshop, The Word Distillery performances and the online Workshop run by Earlyworks Press. He also reads his work periodically as part of the International Gruntlers Group at the Poetry Place, Covent Garden. Nigel is a Member of The Welsh Academy.

Reviews:
With respect to The Hawk's Mewl (Arbor Vitae Press, 2007)

"…Humphreys' language is often scientifically crisp; yet it is revelatory, and his observations intrigue…Original description is matched by haunting, unfinished narratives…his work shines and searches…"
The Church Times Review

"...The title poem itself shows (Humphreys') humanity and sensitivity and introduces us to the collection. It also underlines the poet's obvious craft. There are some beautiful poems in the collection...I recommend this book without hesitation and it has been a real pleasure reading it..."
Idris Caffrey

"...Every poem is a miniature painting in words, carefully crafted and bringing to life a picture...I marvelled at the language painstakingly chosen to illuminate the terror and pain men suffered far more clearly than a novel full of words..."
Pam Eaves


Selected Publications:
The Hawk's Mewl (Arbor Vitae Press, 2007)
The Flavour of Parallel (Arbor Vitae Press, 2010) 

Contributed to:
Porkies (contributor) (Earlyworks Press 2005)
Routemaster and Mushrooms (contributor) (Earlyworks Press 2006)
Digitally Organic (contributor) (Earlyworks Press 2007)
Shoogle Tide (contributor) (Earlyworks Press 2008)
Back Eyes Poetry (contributor) (Earlyworks Press 2009)




The Hawk's Mewl (Arbor Vitae Press, 2007)

Readers will find themselves transported by these poems into a dimension of great humanity and sensitivity...The style of (Nigel Humphreys') writing and the images he sets down impart the elegance and depth of the imaginative process of writing itself...The voice of the poet travels deep into the regions of the imaginative conception, excavating and bringing back with it comparisons and revelations, small and great, that cannot be contained...Each word is wrought with brevity and forged in fire.
Jonathan Wood, Editor

To purchase this title from amazon.co.uk, please click on its front cover




The Flavour of Parallel (Arbor Vitae Press, 2010) 

This new collection of 60 poems by Nigel Humphreys was published Arbor Vitae Press in April 2010.

To purchase this title from amazon.co.uk, please click on its front cover