The poems in The Past Is a Dangerous Driver is inspired by Neal Mason's fascination with the past, not only in the way it exists as general history but also as it is formed by one's own personal recollection. Through his poems, Neil links the past to the present, in a way that puts events in a new light and exposes discovery of hidden complexities. History is no longer seen as being made up of facts and artefacts but instead it is presented as the manifestation of the human spirit. The poems also conjure up an eclectic view of Britain, its values, history and even future. The title of collection is a hint that the past does affect the present, not always for the best, but its influence needs to be acknowledged.

About the Author
Neal Mason was born in Middlesex and educated in Norfolk. Many of his stories, monologues and poems have been published, and he has been successful in numerous play, story, and poetry competitions. Neal's work was also published in Peterloo Preview 2, Peterloo Poets, 1990. His first poetry collection, Excavations, was published by Peterloo Poets in 1991. His second collection, Leading the Guidebook Astray, was published by University of Salzburg Press in 1995. For six months, Neal was a Writer in Residence for the Arts Council in Welsh Valley. He tutored many courses for the University of Wales, WEA, Fairfield Arts Centre, and was awarded a bursary by the Arts Council. Neal was selected for a five-day masterclass at Hay-on-Wye Festival and advised the Arts Council's Grants to Publishers Panel. He visited many schools, writers' groups etc. under Writers on Tour scheme. For the last five years, he has been running soundwork-uk.co.uk, a non-profit website that records and produces free audio plays, stories, poems, and monologues for online listeners.


Book Information
ISBN 9781907320958
Author Neal Mason
Format Paperback
Page Count 78
Imprint Holland Park Press
Publisher Holland Park Press
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 138mm * 8mm