For Ron Butlin 'all histories are histories of desire'. His poems are concerned with what lies just beyond our reach or else is hidden too deep within each of us to be expressed in any other way. These particular Histories of Desire emerge in often fanciful response to the demands of love, friendship, bereavement, travel, and - always - desire.'Ron Butlin is a romantic who seasons his fancies with wit and parody. He has always been a convincing poet of human love, able to be true to direct experience while maintaining a fine lyricism in his language.' - Peter Porter'A strong and outward-looking poet, versatile and rich in invention.' - Robert Garioch.