Jack Foley Book order

Jack Foley's autobiography provides an insightful look into his life as a poet and public intellectual, beginning with his New Jersey roots in 1940. He reflects on his dedication to poetry amidst its declining status, showcasing his unique style through experimental and traditional works, as well as notable "choruses" performed with his late wife. His experiences at Cornell and participation in the Free Speech Movement in Berkeley shaped his artistic journey. At eighty, Foley's narrative celebrates his contrarian approach and enduring commitment to poetry outside academic confines.

Exploring the evolution of a poet's mind, this work delves into Jack Foley's artistic journey, influenced by the San Francisco Beat poets. It reflects on the challenges of creating meaningful art amid a complex cultural landscape, addressing themes of respect, misunderstanding, and the discrediting of poetry. The narrative serves as both a personal memoir and a broader commentary on twentieth-century poetry, examining the successes and failures of Modernism while illuminating Foley's unique contributions to the genre.

Fiction. Jack Foley's autobiography begins, "What is a life but stories?" The stories collected here are not his life but a fantastic consciousness in which he is as lost as anyone. Foley writes what he does not know; he writes what he can imagine. The dead sprout up here as easily as leaves of grass. Stylistically the stories range widely some are comic, some bring tears. All manifest "the strangeness and the power of poetry," plunging us into the enigma of the human heart."

Set in a nostalgic era, the story follows Jack Foley as he navigates the challenges of childhood, learning valuable life skills through adventurous encounters. From the dangers of alligator encounters to the unpredictable nature of wild hog hunting, Jack's experiences highlight the lessons learned from hands-on adventures. This journey captures the essence of growing up in a time when life was filled with exploration and learning through real-life challenges.

Challenging traditional views of poetry, Jack Foley explores the concept of self as a multiplicity of voices, suggesting that this perspective can transform literary criticism and our reading experiences. His scholarly yet accessible approach leads to innovative interpretations of canonical poets like Keats and Yeats, while also engaging with diverse forms such as opera, free jazz, and slam poetry. Foley's provocative insights invite readers to reconsider established norms and embrace a more dynamic understanding of reality and art.