Preoccupations: Selected Prose, 1968–1978

essays by Heaney

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July 13, 2026

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Preoccupations: Selected Prose, 1968–1978 is a collection of essays by Irish poet Seamus Heaney. The essays explore themes related to poetry, literature, and Heaney's personal experiences. They offer insights into his creative process and his reflections on the works of other writers. The collection showcases Heaney's engagement with both his craft and the broader literary landscape, reflecting his deep appreciation for language and its power. The essays often touch upon his rural Irish background and the historical context of Northern Ireland, including the Troubles, though not in an overtly political manner.12

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Seamus Heaney
…these essays have appeared in Preoccupations: Selected Prose, 1968–1978 (1980) and Finders Keepers: Selected Prose, 1971–2001 (2002). A collection of his lectures at Oxford was published as The Redress of Poetry (1995).
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…these essays have appeared in Preoccupations: Selected Prose, 1968–1978 (1980) and Finders Keepers: Selected Prose, 1971–2001 (2002). A collection of his lectures at Oxford was published as The Redress of Poetry (1995).
Read More