Step behind the scenes of Wales’s literary world with one of its most iconic figures. Peter Finch – poet, writer, performer, and literary entrepreneur – will be talking to fellow author John Osmond about his new book, ‘The Literary Business’.

Whether you are a writer seeking guidance, a literature enthusiast hungry for insider stories, or simply someone who loves a brilliant literary raconteur, an evening with Peter Finch promises to entertain, enlighten, and inspire.

For over fifty years, Finch has shaped and chronicled the literary life of Cardiff and beyond. From pioneering the UK’s small press revolution in the 60s and 70s with Second Aeon, to championing performance poetry in Wales during the 1980s, to running Cardiff’s Oriel Bookshop, and later leading Literature Wales, Finch has been at the forefront of literary innovation. He has edited periodicals, organised events, worked as a literary agent and publisher, and published acclaimed books on Cardiff, the Valleys, and the roots of rock music.

In his new book, ‘The Literary Business’, Finch draws on his unparalleled experience to offer a no-holds-barred personal history of the literary world. This book is for writers, academics, critics, and anyone fascinated by the cut and thrust of publishing and poetry. From navigating the “Poetry Wars” of the 70s to understanding the challenges of supporting writers and writing today, Finch delivers insights, anecdotes, and reflections with his trademark verve and iconoclasm.

Few others in Wales know the business and how we got here like Finch does. And few others will have been capable of reporting back in such an entertaining fashion. Peter will be talking about the book, answering questions, offering advice and performing a poem or two. An evening not to be missed.

Peter Finch is first and foremost a poet. His Collected Poems, published in two 500-page volumes in 2022, showcase decades of experimentation, discovery, and performance. Critics have hailed him as “probably the greatest living performer in poetry that we’ve got” (Chris McCabe, National Poetry Librarian, Southbank) and “one of the most influential literary figures in Wales of the last sixty years” (Gary Raymond).

This event is part of our new Griffin Books After Hours series of talks, interviews and discussions, which will take place in our newly expanded shop.

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Thursday 5 March | 7.30 pm
Griffin Books, 9A Windsor Road, Penarth, CF64 1JB*
Tickets: From £5.00

*IMPORTANT: Please be aware that the toilet at Griffin Books can only be accessed via three steps and so is not accessible for wheelchair users or people with mobility issues. Please contact us on info@griffinbooks.co.uk if this would prohibit you from attending.