I came to David Malouf ’s poetry though his novels. After reading An Imaginary Life as a very young man I jumped on my bike and headed for the local library determined to take home every book I could find, because that’s what great writers do - they make you obsessed. I vividly remember finding his first book Bicycles and Other Poems on the shelf (it wasn’t easy – pre-microfiche). I was so enthralled I began reading it on the spot. Tearing myself away to borrow it and that ride home took forever and that craving has never really diminished. Reading Typewriter Music is a reminder for me of that excitement that burns white hot. It’s difficult to dissect; there’s seamlessness in style and language across a broad ranging collection. Simplicity and complexity at the same time. It’s music, it sings. It’s what David Malouf does.

Chris Grierson is a former manager of Readings Port Melbourne