In his new collection of poems several of which have already become famous before their book publication Clive James looks back over an extraordinarily rich life with a clear-eyed and unflinching honesty.

There are regrets, but no trace of self-pity in these verses, which for all their open dealings with death and illness are primarily a celebration of what is treasurable and memorable in our time here.

Again and again, James reminds us that he is not only a poet of effortless wit and lyric accomplishment: he is also an immensely wise one, who delights in using poetic form to bring a razor-sharp focus to his thought.

Miraculously, these poems see James writing with his insight and energy not only undiminished but positively charged by his situation: Sentenced to Life represents a career high point from one of the greatest literary intelligences of the age.