In this the second collection of John Eliot's work, the poet draws inspiration from a variety of sources and influences. He was a teacher of religion and the reader will find examples of poems that reflect this. Similarly history comes into play: the bones of Richard III were found in his old schoolyard and Richard's wife, Anne Neville, was married to her first husband in Angers Cathedral, close to his home in France. There is a poem in this collection about her. The death of the poet's mother affected him deeply and is reflected in his poetry, as is the death the same year of two close friends. Elsewhere, readers will find the influence of music, where his tastes are broad and eclectic. He plays with words as a musician plays with notesI love music. My tastes are broad. I play with words as a musician such as Miles Davis plays with notes. Dotted throughout this collection are the line drawings of Dave Daggers.