Poems/Short Story Collections books in order

Complete reading order for the poetry and short story collections by William McIlvanney, spanning five decades of Scottish literary work.

Reading order

# Title Published Author Buy on Amazon
1 The Longships In Harbour 1970 William McIlvanney Buy
2 Landscapes & Figures 1973 William McIlvanney Buy
3 These Words 1984 William McIlvanney Buy
4 Walking Wounded 1989 William McIlvanney Buy
5 Surviving the Shipwreck 1991 William McIlvanney Buy

This collection covers William McIlvanney’s poetry and short story publications, spanning from 1970 to 1991. McIlvanney was a respected poet as well as a novelist, and his verse explored many of the same themes found in his fiction: Scottish identity, working-class life, and the tension between personal integrity and social pressure.

The Longships In Harbour (1970) and Landscapes & Figures (1973) were his earliest poetry collections. These Words (1984) and Walking Wounded (1989) continued his poetic output, while Surviving the Shipwreck (1991) collected poems and prose pieces that reflect on Scotland’s cultural and political landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the Poems/Short Story Collections series?

There are 5 books in the Poems/Short Story Collections series, published between 1970 and 1991.

What is the first book in the Poems/Short Story Collections series?

The first book in the Poems/Short Story Collections series is The Longships In Harbour, published in 1970.

Was William McIlvanney known as a poet?

Yes, William McIlvanney published several poetry collections alongside his novels and crime fiction. His poems addressed many of the same themes as his prose – working-class life, Scottish identity, and social justice.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this site.

Privacy Policy