Language with Altitude

Paddy Gormley’s 'Language With Altitude' is an essential companion piece for any poet or playwright looking to hone their craft. The passion for writing with which the author is obviously infused shines throughout the text, and their love of literary and linguistic techniques is utterly infectious. The book can be read from cover to cover, or delved into one chapter at a time according to taste and/or need. It is wonderfully written: clear, fluent, and filled with sterling substance. I have already implemented a number of its theories and techniques in my most recent work, and look forward to doing so more extensively in future. I sincerely hope it finds a home upon the bookshelves of every lover of the English language – it certainly deserves to.

The author has an inspiring joy and passion for language and literary form. As well as providing good tips for developing power, persuasion and amusement when writing, there are copious insights into creative approaches, underpinned by astute philosophical reflections. It is also a useful reference tool to energise the imagination, and as such the book deserves a wider audience.

I won't say I've read this book from cover to cover because it isn't that kind of work. Like a meal, one has to digest the first course. It has prompted me into thinking in a way that I wouldn't normally have done and I shall get back to it as the mood takes me. The presentation is daring and original. It will stand on my bookshelf along with my Roget's.