Published in 1982 Selected Poems draws equally on Pearse Hutchinson's first four collections of poems in English: Tongue without Hands, Expansions, Watching the Morning Grow and The Frost is All Over. Six new poems, some of them published here for the first time, are also included.

Since 'The River' was published in The Bell in 1945, Pearse Hutchinson's poetry has been praised in Ireland and abroad. This book reflects that poetry's range of interests and concern. It includes poems of lively formality ('Pub Song', 'Boxing the Fox') and of calm meditation ('Into their true gentleness', 'Lyde') as well as poems of outrage and passionate indignation -- at human behaviour and the events of history.

'Fleadh Cheoil', 'Friday in a Branch Post-Office' and 'Gaeltacht' confront and express clearly life in Ireland now. Other poems deal with loss and survival of identity and language. In these there is a special and deep affinity with the countries of Spain where the author lived for many years. But not all of the poems treat such public themes: there are poems about friendship, affection, tenderness and love. Compassion marks all of Pearse Hutchinson's work. Selected Poems is a book of enduring and committed achievement.