Poetry is a fascinating use of language. With almost a million words at its command it is not surprising that these Isles have produced some of the most beautiful, moving and descriptive verse through the centuries. In this series we look at each calendar month through the eyes and minds of our most gifted poets to bring you a unique poetic guide. July—the seventh month of the year in the Gregorian calendar and Summer is a rich harvest of colours and sights. Poets of the calibre of Thomas Hardy, HP Lovecraft and Wilfred Owen describe and marshall their thoughts for our delight.

Many of the poems are also available as an audiobook from our sister company Portable Poetry. The full volume can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon and other digital stores. Among our readers are Richard Mitchley and Ghizela Rowe.