BUY THE BOOKS!
To obtain your very own signed copy of 'Smart Boy Wanted' or 'Too Big For This Town' send a cheque for £6.50 payable to
SMITHY PUBLICATIONS
P.O. BOX 32
LEEDS
LS8 2WL
Posted free of charge to all UK Internet Purchasers
ISBN 0-9545935-0-2
Smart Boy Wanted is now also available from Amazon Books. Simply click on the link below .
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0954593502/202-4845973-9634260?v=glance&n=266239&v=glance
Review by Sue Ashdown 
Raftery's first published collection is an entertaining melange interspersed with whimsical illustrations. Favourites include 'Gobbed in Town' , 'The Keck King' and 'The Walton Wedding' as well as many titles which have rarely been performed in public. ''The Last Taxi Ride' and 'The Dead Shepherd' focus on darker, more turbulent aspects of human nature. Raftery's writing is frequently humorous, often provocative but always absorbing. This is the perfect gift to give to anyone who thinks they don't like poetry.
OUT NOW!
Raftery's second collection.
Just released! Available from the same address as above or, to order through Amazon Books just click on the following link http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0954593510/203-6301715-8692707
Review by 'Our Kev' (Lead Singer of Smokestack)
This, the second collection from the Poet Himself, finds Raftery aiming a cannonade of his verbal grapeshot at various aspects of the modern lifestyle including apathetic voters and news bulletins. Hilarious verses such as Grinding Bones sit easily alongside the wistful, suburban sadness of 'Mateus Rose Years'. Some titles, such as the paean to a Coronation Street siren of yesteryear (The Ballad of Lucille Hewitt) would not look out of place on a Half-Man Half-Biscuit compilation. A truly excellent publication!
.....a lengthy session then ensued!
Richard Raftery, pictured on his recent tour of Ireland where he performed both poetry and music (folk, country and bluegrass) with his band Powder Keg (above L-R Mike, Richard, Christine and Graeme).