John Lucas, whose recent passing has prompted heartfelt reflections, is being remembered for the striking contrast between his professional demeanour as a poetry editor and his competitive spirit on the cricket field. Colleagues and authors have painted a vivid picture of a man whose gentle guidance in publishing stood in stark relief to his forthright leadership in sport.
A Respected and Intuitive Poetry Editor
For over two decades, John Lucas served as a poetry editor, most notably associated with the Shoestring Press. Authors who worked with him consistently highlight his respectful and insightful approach to manuscript review. His editorial method was characterised by sparse but meaningful annotations in the margins, always rendered in a distinctive, spidery pencil script.
Christine McNeill, one of the poets he guided, recalls that his feedback was never overbearing. "I greatly valued his editorial input," she notes, "which consisted of a few queries and suggestions... always respectful and with an understanding of what I had tried to convey." A simple question mark in the margin, she explains, was often enough to prompt deeper reflection and revision, demonstrating his intuitive ability to guide without dictating.
Encouragement and Consistent Support
Beyond the manuscripts, Lucas's personal correspondence left a lasting impression. His letters were described as kind, encouraging, and filled with enthusiasm, invariably signed off with his characteristic closing: "All the best, in haste." This consistent support was particularly valued by poets who, as one tribute describes, might have been considered "established but unfashionable."
Another poet, John Harvey, expresses profound gratitude for the "care and consistent support" Lucas provided as a publisher, underscoring the vital role he played in nurturing literary talent outside the mainstream spotlight.
The Competitive Cricket Captain
In a dramatic shift from the quiet world of poetry publishing, John Lucas's persona transformed on the cricket pitch. As captain of the Nottingham University Staff cricket XI, he was known for a far less patient and forgiving attitude. The same man who offered gentle marginalia could become a vocal and demanding leader during a match.
John Harvey, who occasionally played for the team, provides a memorable anecdote that encapsulates this duality. After Harvey played yet another cautious, forward defensive shot, Lucas's patience evidently wore thin. From the boundary, the captain's shout cut through the air: "If you can't score some bloody runs, for God's sake get out and let in someone who can!"
This fiery exhortation reveals a competitive drive and a directness that stood in complete contrast to his editorial subtlety. It paints a picture of a leader who valued aggressive, result-oriented play and had little tolerance for perceived timidity on the field.
A Legacy of Contrasting Passions
The recollections of John Lucas present a fascinating study in contrasting passions. In one sphere, he was a figure of quiet encouragement, using a pencil to gently question and improve. In another, he was a vocal strategist, using his voice to demand performance and commitment. Both roles, however, were underpinned by a deep engagement and a desire to elicit the best from those around him—whether through thoughtful critique on the page or passionate urging from the sidelines.
These tributes ensure that John Lucas will be remembered not just for his contributions to poetry publishing through Shoestring Press, but also for the colourful and demanding character he brought to the grassroots sport of cricket. His legacy is one of dual dedication: to the refined art of the written word and to the competitive spirit of the summer game.
