Smokestack champions poets who are unconventional, unfashionable, radical or left-field and who are working a long way from the metropolitan centres of cultural authority.

Smokestack is interested in the World as well as the Word.

Smokestack believes that poetry is a part of and not apart from society,

Smokestack does not think `difficulty' in poetry is a virtue or that poetry is a place in which to hide.

Smokestack argues that if poetry does not belong to everyone it is not poetry.

`Smokestack has a great squad of radical poets lined up for its first season. I predict that the team will roll like thunder, strike like lightening and electrify British poetry.' - Adrian Mitchell

`Ah-oh, smokestack lightning
Shinin', just like gold
Why don't ya hear me cryin'?'
- Chester Burnett/Howling Wolf

`In the dark times
Will there also be singing ?
Yes, there will also be singing
About the dark times.'
- Bertolt Brecht

`In poetry everything is permitted.
With only this condition, of course :
You have to improve on the blank page.'
- Nicanor Parra

Smokestack Books is a member of Independent Northern Publishers and is supported by the Arts Council of England (North East) and Middlesbrough Borough Council.