In Alcatraz: Poems from the Contemporary Welsh, we find youthful energies tackling climate change, global extinctions, even human life beyond our planet. Whether in Wales or Palestine, Manhattan or the island of Alcatraz itself, we learn that today’s Welsh language poetry, with its unique perspective, is as valid as any verse in the world. And, possibly, more vital.

Set side by side the original poems, Robert Minhinnick’s English translations open a dialogue about the bilingualism intrinsic to Welsh culture, inviting the reader to discover more about the linguistic landscape of Wales and its minoritised language, Welsh.

If these translations take liberties, none are unforgivable. The spirit of each poem remains unblemished. Here, veteran writers, such as Menna Elfyn, Karen Owen and Iwan Llwyd, mix with the next generation’s Iestyn Tyne, Llŷr Gwyn and Sian Northey. Alcatraz is an essential work for anyone interested in the good health of modern poetry in the UK.

Radically lyrical, politically astute, this new collection features six writers whose every word is an act of affirmation. As it must be, for their art to flourish beside one of the world’s great languages.