{"product_id":"spoken-word-in-the-uk-of-contemporary-performance-poetics","title":"Spoken Word in the UK - of Contemporary Performance Poetics","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of Spoken Word in the UK the bottom line is clear: this book is essential for readers who want a thorough, academic yet accessible introduction to British spoken word performance and its varied practices. Compiled by Lucy English and Jack McGowan, the volume brings together scholars, critics and practitioners to map origins, styles and audience relations, making it the single best one-volume entry for students, teachers and performers seeking a grounded overview of the field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComprehensive scope:\u003c\/strong\u003e The book covers origins, development and contemporary trends, giving readers a broad historical and cultural context for spoken word in the UK.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiverse contributors:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chapters by scholars, critics and practitioners offer multiple perspectives that combine theory and lived practice for a rounded picture of the art form.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase study approach:\u003c\/strong\u003e Each chapter focuses on a single aspect or case study, which helps unpack stylistic differences and performance choices in detail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePerformance and audience focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Discussion of how performers reach and engage their audiences makes the book useful for those interested in live presentation and community impact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEducation relevance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Coverage of spoken word's place in education provides practical insight for teachers and curriculum planners exploring contemporary performance work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpoken Word in the UK is best suited to college students, drama and poetry teachers, and emerging performers who want a structured introduction to the practice and study of spoken word. The mix of case studies and theoretical chapters makes it a useful classroom text for modules on performance poetry or contemporary theatre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders looking for a beginner's how-to manual on writing or stagecraft alone may want practical workshop books instead; this volume is stronger on analysis, context and critical perspectives than on step-by-step performance exercises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWide-ranging chapters provide a single-volume survey that connects history, style and audience engagement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContributions from both academics and practitioners create a balanced view of theory and practice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCase study format makes complex topics approachable and useful for classroom discussion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe book is primarily analytical rather than a practical stagecraft guide, which may disappoint readers seeking hands-on instruction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpoken Word in the UK\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEditors \/ Authors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLucy English, Jack McGowan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScope\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigins, development, performers, audiences, styles\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproach\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScholarly chapters and practitioner perspectives\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStructure\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSix sections with case study chapters\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntended readers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStudents, teachers, researchers, performers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpoken Word in the UK is a well-judged, value-rich introduction to contemporary British performance poetics that combines academic rigour with practitioner insight. Students and educators will find it particularly valuable for course reading and contextual study, while performers will appreciate the discussions on audience engagement even if they need separate practical guides for stage technique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this book include practitioner voices?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Chapters include contributions from both scholars and practitioners to balance theory with lived experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a practical how-to guide for performers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. The emphasis is on analysis, history and context rather than step-by-step performance coaching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it be used in courses?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The book's structure and case study chapters make it suitable as core or supplementary reading for performance and literature courses.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lucy English, Jack McGowan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48763720696027,"sku":"0367352532","price":55.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71-29w68LqS._SL1500.jpg?v=1778519665","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/spoken-word-in-the-uk-of-contemporary-performance-poetics","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}