NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL REVIEW

What a fabulous little magazine! Entirely lacking in artifice it is incredibly readable and engaging. It discusses the bare bones of poetry publishing, offering insight and interest to anyone involved in the poetry scene, whether as a reader or behind the scenes. The reviewers are knowledgeable and give measured responses to the books they discuss and the interviews are engrossing. While there are a couple of editorial and proofreading errors, these were few and far between, which points to the professionalism of editor Helena Nelson.

Although it is only a small magazine, it is packed with interesting information. There were no bits I wanted to skip over. Every article was enjoyable, every interview interesting and the poems stimulating. One important feature I must mention is that while little, it was not at all crowded. Every page was nicely spaced. In fact, this magazine is the perfect size to sit and read over your lunch hour or during coffee. Another thing that interested me were the references to a book/pamphlet's feel. This tactile approach is very important to the reader of poetry and it was refreshing to see it highlighted.

I have to say that my favourite articles in Sphinx 3 were those of the PUBLISHER PROFILES on Kettillonia Press and The Greville Press. Having met and flirted with Anthony Astbury I enjoyed reading another perspective of this enigmatic man, and my soul was warmed by the down to earth attitude towards poetry that is Kettillonia's.

It was also very interesting to read about a company so devoted to its Scottish roots and willing to take on poems written in Scots. The interview with Ross Bradshaw has put Ross on my 'I wish to meet' list for his hard work and devotion to the written word. To hold down a full time post as Literature Officer for Nottingham County Council and publish the Five Leaves imprint in his spare time struck me as admirable, if not slightly barmy!

In short, Sphinx issue 3 was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested or involved in poetry. It is worth every penny of the two hundred and fifty it costs!