Andrew Frisardi writes with a remarkable sensitivity to life and art, drawing inspiration from his long experience living in central Italy. His poetry and essays often explore themes of memory, place, and cultural identity. Frisardi's style is noted for its precision and a melancholic beauty, allowing him to capture the complexities of the human experience. As a translator and editor, he contributes to bridging literary traditions and enriching contemporary literature.
The book offers an insightful exploration of Dante’s symbolic language and poetic expression, making complex themes accessible to general readers and students alike. Through the guidance of an esteemed scholar, readers can deepen their understanding of Dante's work, uncovering layers of meaning typically reserved for specialists. This engaging approach invites admirers of Dante to appreciate his artistry in a new light.
Offers a singular collection of poems in a wide variety of forms and voices. Author Andrew Frisardi writes on fundamental human themes such as love and desire, death and grief, the nature of the self and self-transcendence in a tone that ranges from serious to witty to exuberant.
The collection features a striking blend of form and emotion, exemplified by the beautiful ghazal that inspired its title. Early poems include an Audenesque meditation and a character piece that finds wonder in the ordinary. Themes of mortality are explored in reflections on bedtime, while the impact of the pandemic is captured in a Sapphic poem. Additionally, a ballade honors the late Timothy Murphy, showcasing Frisardi's ability to weave personal and universal experiences into his work.
Exploring the intersection of poetry and modernity, Andrew Frisardi's essays delve into the works of various poets from Britain, America, and Italy. He performs close readings while addressing how these poets respond to the complexities of contemporary life, including themes of pluralism, scientific advancement, and societal fragmentation. The collection features notable figures such as Edwin Muir, Giuseppe Ungaretti, and W. B. Yeats, each reflecting on the dualities of human experience in an era marked by both innovation and crisis.