Throughout his life Richard Holloway has turned to poets and writers for help in looking for answers to life's mysteries, and for solace and guidance in the face of life's challenges. In The Heart of Things he brings together those poems and words which have meant the most to him, whether they have been life-long guides or words which arrived just at the moment when they were needed most. Here then are some lights along life's dark path, with thoughts and reflections on life, death, sadness, regret, sin, conflict and forgiveness. All interwoven with Richard's personal and philosophical consideration of what they have meant to him, offered in the hope they will help us, too. This is a book to turn to for inspiration, guidance and comfort. It offers lessons from those who, in Richard's words, 'know best how to listen and teach us to listen', all united by 'the sensual appeal of words, the pain and pleasure they impart'. It is a book to treasure.