Description

Following on from The Sunshine Kid (2014), Unashamed follows the journey of World Poetry Slam Champion Harry Baker from graduating with a maths degree being unsure if this poetry thing was even possible, to becoming one of the nation’s favourite poets and having his work viewed by millions all over the globe.

A collection of poems taken from his live performances that have captivated audiences and sold out shows up and down the country, combined with brand new work written at a time when that was no longer possible. From the joyful creativity of German compound words to having his prime number poetry shared on TED.com, it took Harry far too long to realise that maths has been as much a part of his work as the poetry he used to use to distract himself from it. That both are about figuring out the world around us, finding wonder in your surroundings, and searching for connection wherever you can.

From school bullying through climate change, via a healthy obsession with falafels and a 10,000th birthday, Harry’s love of language and logic has got him through literal marathons, a cancer diagnosis and potentially ruined his wife’s chances of getting a job in an ice cream shop. Unashamed is a book of heart, humour and hope. It shows what happens when you’re truly able to celebrate all the parts of yourself, and when you are more concerned with filling out than fitting in. When what started out as a way to entertain your friends becomes a lens through which to see the world, and and celebrate numbers, words and life itself. It is his most heartfelt, playful, unashamedly Harry Baker-y work yet.

Publisher Review

"Harry Baker's intricate, quick-fire rhymes have always been on the impressive side of mind-blowing" - The Scotsman