SPCK signs Flintoff's 'timely and authentic' poetry collection
SPCK has acquired Psalms for the City, the debut poetry collection by British journalist and artist John-Paul Flintoff.
Publisher Elizabeth Neep bought world rights via Jaime Marshall at The J P Marshall Literary Agency for the collection, which will publish in time for Christmas 2022.
Described as a "celebration of life and the spirit of place", the book combines full-colour illustrations with original poetry, inspired by the emotion of the biblical psalms. Born out of the author’s own breakdown, Flintoff invites readers to discover the peace he found amid the noise of urban living in a "unique and hope-filled" collection.
Flintoff is a writer, artist and performer. His books include How to Change the World (TSOL Publishing), and most recently A Modest Book About How to Make an Adequate Speech (Short Books.)
"In 2018, anxious and depressed, I walked round London for hours on end, taking rest in churches only because I would need to spend money to sit in a cafe," he said. "Finding peace in those churches, I started writing and drawing my way out of distress, and eventually I realised that I wanted only to focus on things that make me glad to be alive. I profoundly hope that the words and pictures in this book may help to lift the hearts of others."
"John-Paul’s talents lie not just in his words and artistry but in his ability to connect with readers in a way that feels both timely and authentic," Neep added.
"Emerging from the pandemic, many of us feel more thankful than ever for our own ‘pockets of peace’ whether they be our balconies, gardens, or parks and more in need than ever for a book that gives voice to the multifaceted emotions we are experiencing as we seek joy in uncertainty and surrender to something ‘bigger than us’. These modern-day psalms show us how."
