UQP acquires new Chong poetry collection

The University of Queensland Press (UQP) has acquired Eileen Chong’s poetry collection A Thousand Crimson Blooms.

Chong is the author of nine books, including her most recent poetry collection Rainforest, which was published by Pitt Street Poetry in 2018.

UQP said A Thousand Crimson Blooms ‘continues and extends her poetic practice of examining histories—particularly the personal, familial and cultural—that make up our identities and obsessions’. UQP publisher Aviva Tuffield said, ‘I have long admired Eileen Chong’s poetry and believe this is her strongest collection yet.’

Chong said, ‘I have long admired the poets UQP publishes, and cannot believe I will soon join their ranks. I am particularly looking forward to working with the wonderful poet Judith Bishop as my editor, and with Aviva Tuffield and her team to produce A Thousand Crimson Blooms.’

‘A Thousand Crimson Blooms ranges widely across themes of love, loss and bicultural life experience, and includes a number of superbly crafted poems on maternal grief—both as related to fractured mother–daughter relationships and to struggles with IVF,’ said Tuffield. ‘I am delighted that UQP has the opportunity to publish this talented and respected poet.’

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions