Saffron Tea, a poetry anthology edited by Kampta Karran and George Tolis brings together nine South Asian poets from the West Midlands.

An exploration of the origins of the poets 'Saffron Tea', the anthology takes us to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Guyana and the United Kingdom. It tells us of the long and chequered history of interaction between the empire and the "jewel in the crown". It is an experience of the crossing of boundaries, the myth of returning, the emergence of the individual and collective ways of knowing, and ultimately, the search for permanent homes.

"There are, in this collection, poems that startle by the strength of their political convictions and social commitment. Readers will welcome the chance of listening to voices from a constellation of countries" (Author David Dabydeen, Warwick University).

FEATURED POETS

ASIF AHMED

Brought up and educated in London, Asif now lives in Birmingham and works as a Professor of Reproductive Physiology at The University of Birmingham. He has won two awards for poetry in America. His work has previously been published by The Cannon Poets, appearing in 'Broadside XI'.

DEBANJI CHATTERJEE

Debanji Chatterjee has written, translated and edited thirty books of poetry and prose for children and adults, as well as writing for the stage. She runs writing workshops around the country for all ages. Her award-winning anthologies include 'Barbed Lines' and 'The Redbeck Anthology of British South Asian Poetry'.

SREEMAN MISHU BARUA

Born in Chittagong, Bangladesh in 1971, Mishu has studied in Bangladesh, Holland and the UK. His first collection 'Take me to your Heart' was published in Chittagong. His work has appeared in newspapers, magazines and pamphlets at home and abroad, including in the Writers Without Borders anthology 'The Shakespeare Memorial Room'. His collection 'My Will of Freedom' has been accepted for publication in America.

RUBINA DIN

Born in Pakistan, Rubina has lived in England for almost all of her life. A qualified teacher, she works as a literacy consultant, training teachers in Birmingham and also with children in developing their writing skills. She has had two short stories published by Tindal Street Press and has work aired on BBC Radio.

SAEEDA YOUNUS

Born in Pakistan, Saeeda has lived in England since 1960, initially writing in Urdu. She has had poems and articles published in 'Ravi' newspaper and short stories in 'Katha' through Writers Without Borders. Her poetry also appears in their anthology 'The Shakespeare Memorial Room' and she has had work commissioned by the Birmingham Art Gallery for International Women's Day.

RAJNI ROY

Born in Tanzania, Rajni was educated in England at Hull University and at Lincoln's Inn. After a career as a barrister, he taught at the University of Central England. As a Principal Lecturer in Law. He has since retired. His poetry has been published by The Cannon Press and recited on BBC radio on a number of occasions.

AMINA SHELLY

Amina was born in Sylhet, Bangladesh and has lived in the UK since 1989. Her poetry was first collected in 'The Bangla Journal' in Canada. She has had poems translated into Bengali and published in Nandan, Dhaka and a short story in 'Whispers in the Walls' published by Tindal Street press.

KALPANA GANGULY

Kalpana was born in Kenya and brought up in Uganda, before settling in England. In East Africa she worked as a teacher and amateur actor. She is now a civil servant and is involved in a variety of voluntary work. Her poetry has been published by Writers Without Borders.

KAMPTA KARRAN

Kampta was born in Guyana on the South American continent and is a Research Fellow at the University of Warwick, in the Centre for Race and Ethnic Relations. As well as publishing in Sociology, he has co-edited and had work appear in 'The Shakespeare Memorial Room' by Writers Without Borders and 'The Griot'.