How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside

An Alternative Guide to Writing and Enjoying Poetry

Brian Bilston author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Pan Macmillan

Publishing:16th Apr '26

£16.99

This title is due to be published on 16th April, and will be despatched as soon as possible.

This hardback is available in another edition too:

How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside cover

Why do we write poetry? Who should write it? And where do you even start?

Well, Brian Bilston, one of the UK’s most hilarious and best-loved poets, is here to take us through the hows, whys and whats of reading, writing and enjoying poetry every day.

With his characteristic wit and charm, Bilston accompanies us through the jungle of imagination to the source of inspiration, takes us under the bonnet of a sonnet and over the fear of literary devices. He gives us a whirlwind tour through the history of verse, and shows us why human poetry will always triumph over any attempts by AI.

Showcasing over a hundred brand new poems, and including practical critiques of some of his greatest hits, every page is an immensely pleasurable deep-dive into the life-affirming craft of poetry and a passionate argument for why we should all pick up a pen.

How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside is for anyone who loves words and all the things they can do.

ISBN: 9781035085729

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

256 pages