Archie Randolph Ammons forged a distinctive poetic voice, deeply engaged with the natural world and the human condition. His verses often draw from the rural landscapes of his North Carolina origins, offering readers a unique perspective. Through carefully chosen language and imagery, Ammons explores the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural environment. His work serves as a meditative and introspective exploration of existence.
The collection showcases A.R. Ammons's evolution as a poet, featuring his National Book Award-winning works from 1951 to 1971, alongside his bold poetry from the 1970s. The first volume captures his early and mid-career milestones, while the second volume completes his journey, presenting his impactful middle phase and remarkable later pieces, including the posthumous Bosh and Flapdoodle. This comprehensive anthology highlights Ammons's innovative contributions to twentieth-century poetry.
A. R. Ammons's debut showcases his early poetic style, characterized by "Whitmanian chants" that reflect his evolving voice. This reissued edition highlights the profound themes and lyrical depth that foreshadow his emergence as a significant figure in American poetry. Celebrated by critics, including Harold Bloom, the work captures the essence of Ammons's artistic journey, making it a compelling read for those interested in the development of a major poet.
The collection showcases A. R. Ammons' lyrical prowess, highlighting his ability to weave profound themes into poetry. Notable pieces, including the title poem "A Coast of Trees" and others like "Swells" and "Easter Morning," are celebrated for their emotional depth and eloquence. Critics emphasize Ammons' connection to the Whitmanian tradition, affirming his significant role in the American poetic landscape. This volume is recognized as one of his most accomplished works, solidifying his place in the literary canon.
This collection is recognized as a significant contribution to American poetry, showcasing the work of a major visionary poet. With insightful commentary from notable figures like Harold Bloom and David Kalstone, it is described as more than just a compilation; it embodies the essence of exploration and discovery in verse. The book is positioned as a landmark in contemporary poetry, inviting readers to engage deeply with its themes and artistry.
A. R. Ammons' poetry intricately weaves together the scientific and perceptual realms, creating a harmonious balance that reflects contemporary life. This collection, first published in 1982, showcases Ammons' brilliance and emphasizes his significance in understanding the complexities of the modern world. Helen Vendler highlights the essential nature of Ammons' work, making it a must-read for those seeking insight into one of the era's most influential voices.
Set in Motion collects for the first time the prose writings of A. R. Ammons, one of our most important and enduring contemporary poets. Hailed as a major force in American poetry by such redoubtable critics as Harold Bloom and Helen Vendler, Ammons has reflected upon the influences of luminaries like Emerson, Thoreau, Whitman, Frost, Stevens, and Williams while creating a compelling style and an artistic vision uniquely his own.Set in Motion includes essays, reviews, and interviews as well as a selection of Ammons's poems, with commentary from the author about their inspiration and effects. He takes up the questions that have been central to American poetry over the last forty years and connects them to the larger enterprise of living in a difficult, changing world. At a moment when the arts are under attack, Ammons reminds us of the crucial role poetry plays in teaching us to recognize and use sources of understanding that are irreducible to statement.A. R. Ammons is the author of Sphere, A Coast of Trees, and Garbage and was recently the editor of The Best American Poetry 1994. His awards include the MacArthur and Guggenheim fellowships, the Bollingen Prize, two National Book Awards, and prizes from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the National Book Critics Circle. He is Goldwin Smith Professor of Poetry, Cornell University.
The setting of Brink Road, located off NY 96, symbolizes a perpetual state of transition and the quest for understanding. A. R. Ammons captures the essence of being on the verge of revelation, reflecting on the fluidity of thought and experience. The narrative invites readers to explore the nuances of perception and the journey between different mental states, highlighting the beauty of moments that lie just beyond comprehension.
As the citation for the 1993 National Book Award for Poetry said, "Garbage is an epic of ideas: all life--not that of human beings alone, but of every species--is shown to be part of an ultimate reality. . . . For power of the thought and language, the poem takes its place alongside Whitman's 'Song of Myself'--an American classic".
