It suggests the trace of a different reading, in which we might see the collection as an address book we can use to make a date with each poem. Perhaps the similarities, the modernity, the half-rhymes and the metrical momentum building to memorable conclusions, are merely coincidences to be blamed on the Zeitgeist. Lumsden has his own voice, his own obsessions. Moreover, other echoes may be detected, such as that of Douglas Dunn in 'Glasgow', 'Edinburgh' and 'Class'. In 'Pagan' MacDiarmid appears as a hero.
Song lyrics are also an important influence.
Perhaps they represent a common ancestor for both Lumsden and Armitage and the whole Lit. In The Message Lumsden explored the crossover between poetry and pop. Yeah, Yeah, and plundered pop again for this one. The twelve hands photographed on the cover conjure up a class reunion and suggest that the book speaks to the Friends generation, with whom it is likely to be a hit. The Book of Love should stay at the top for many weeks.