The Pleasure Steamers

poetry by Motion

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July 21, 2026

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The Pleasure Steamers is the debut poetry collection by British poet Andrew Motion, published in 1978. One notable poem from this collection is "Inland," which depicts the fear and helplessness of 17th-century villagers displaced by a flood. This poem earned Motion the Newdigate Prize in 1975. Motion, who served as England's poet laureate from 1999 to 2009, is known for his narrative poetry, often exploring themes of isolation and loss. He was influenced by poets like Edward Thomas and Philip Larkin.12

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Andrew Motion
Motion’s first verse collection, The Pleasure Steamers, was published in 1978. It contains “Inland,” which describes the fear and helplessness of 17th-century villagers who must abandon their homeland following a devastating flood; the poem received the Newdigate Prize in 1975. Noted for his insight and empathy, Motion frequently wrote…
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Motion’s first verse collection, The Pleasure Steamers, was published in 1978. It contains “Inland,” which describes the fear and helplessness of 17th-century villagers who must abandon their homeland following a devastating flood; the poem received the Newdigate Prize in 1975. Noted for his insight and empathy, Motion frequently wrote…
Read More