Nathaniel Tarn is a poet, essayist, and translator whose work is informed by a profound engagement with anthropology and cultural history. His writing is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach, blending literary sensibility with analytical rigor. Tarn's poems and essays often explore themes of identity, memory, and humanity's place in the world. His distinctive voice resonates through carefully crafted language and original insights that invite readers to contemplation.
The book presents an overview of the poet's work since his move to the USA in the early 1970s, capturing his evolution and experiences during that time. Revived as part of the Shearsman Library series, it aims to make significant out-of-print poetry accessible to readers, celebrating the poet's contributions to modern literature.
Published in 1972, this significant work marks a pivotal moment in the author's career, serving as the second-to-last volume released by a UK publisher before the selected edition, Palenque, emerged in the 1980s. The book reflects the author's evolving style and themes, showcasing their literary journey and impact on contemporary literature.
In this literary memoir and autoethnography, poet and anthropologist Nathaniel Tarn reflects on a life lived in an array of times, cultures, and environments, from the Battle of Britain and postwar Paris to conducting fieldwork in Guatemala and the halls of academe and beyond.
Nathaniel Tarn's work marks a pivotal moment in American poetry following his emigration from England. This new edition of his 1976 publication not only preserves the original volume but also emphasizes its significance in Tarn's artistic journey. As part of the Shearsman Library series, it aims to revive important out-of-print poetry, showcasing Tarn's intent and contributions to the literary landscape.