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How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside

An Alternative Guide to Writing and Enjoying Poetry
Brief Description
Why do we write poetry? Who should write it? And where do you even start? Well, Brian Bilston, one of the UK's most hilarious and best-loved poets, is here to take us through the hows, whys, and whats of reading, writing, and enjoying poetry every day.... Read More
Format: Hardback
$3199
Elsewhere:
$4000
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Releases 28th July 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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Welcome to Brian Bilston's ‘writing masterclass': a collection of more than 100 poems woven into a charming and informative guide on how to read, write and enjoy poetry.

Welcome to Brian Bilston's ironic 'writing masterclass': a new collection of more than 130 poems woven into a charming and informative 'introduction to poetry'.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Why do we write poetry? Who should write it? And where do you even start?

Well, Brian Bilston, one of the UK's most hilarious and best-loved poets, is here to take us through the hows, whys, and whats of reading, writing, and enjoying poetry every day.

With his characteristic wit and charm, Bilston accompanies us through the jungle of imagination to the source of inspiration, takes us under the bonnet of a sonnet and over the fear of literary devices. He gives us a whirlwind tour through the history of verse, and shows us why human poetry will always triumph over any attempts by AI.

Showcasing over a hundred brand new poems, and including practical critiques of some of his greatest hits, every page is an immensely pleasurable deep-dive into the life-affirming craft of poetry and a passionate argument for why we should all pick up a pen.

How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside is for anyone who loves words and all the things they can do.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781035085729

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 16 April 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Picador

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 161.0mm

Height: 218.0mm

Weight: 390g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Brian Bilston is a poet and novelist. Beloved both on the page and online, he has been described as 'Twitter's unofficial Poet Laureate'. He has published several collections of poetry, including You Took the Last Bus Home, Alexa, what is there to know about love?, Let Sleeping Cats Lie: Pet Poems, Days Like These: An Alternative Guide to the Year in 366 Poems and a festive collection, And So This is Christmas: 51 Seasonally Adjusted Poems. His debut novel, Diary of a Somebody, was shortlisted for the Costa first novel award. He has also published a collection of football poetry, 50 Ways to Score a Goal, and his acclaimed poem Refugees has been made into an illustrated book for children.

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