Anne Waldman Books

The expansive, countercultural, and wildly prolific life of celebrated poet Anne Waldman, in her own words. In Bard, Kinetic, Anne Waldman assembles a layered compendium of essays, letters, poems, and interviews that form a panoramic portrait of her life and praxis as a groundbreaking poet. Waldman charts her journey through a maelstrom of radical artistic activity, from growing up in Greenwich Village, to creative partnership with Allen Ginsburg and touring with Bob Dylan. She recalls founding the Poetry Project at St. Mark's Church and later the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University and discusses her political and artistic philosophy thatguides her activities as writer, activist, performer, instigator, and Buddhist practitioner. Throughout Bard, Kinetic Waldman pays homage to the friends and collaborators, many of whom are no longer with us, including Amiri Baraka, Lou Reed, John Ashberry, and Diane di Prima. Waldman's experiences serve as a guide for others committed to making the world a more conscious and conscientious place that soars with poetry.

"A syncopated web that includes the personal within the metaphysical and the environmental, tying the individual's story to the story of the survival of the planet . . . she can also be funny, brave, and care very deeply about all our futures."-- Village Voice Literary Supplement

Features poetry and fiction written by authors representative of the Beat movement of the 1950s including classic and recent work, short biographies of the contributors, and a bibliography of Beat literature

This collection showcases the work of a significant contemporary American poet, offering a profound and visionary exploration of themes that resonate deeply. The poems exhibit an epic quality, reflecting on human experience and societal issues with a prophetic voice. The poet’s unique perspective and mastery of language invite readers to engage with complex ideas and emotions, making this a compelling addition to the landscape of modern poetry.

Leander's advice serves as a pivotal turning point in the narrative, leading to a complex interplay of choices and consequences for the characters involved. The story explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the moral dilemmas faced when following guidance that may not align with one's true desires. As characters navigate their relationships and aspirations, the tension between obedience and self-determination unfolds, revealing the depths of their struggles and the impact of their decisions on their futures.

Anne Waldman is a prominent figure in the experimental poetry community, recognized for her multifaceted contributions as a poet, teacher, and activist over five decades. She has performed globally, from streets to festivals, and curated significant literary events. Waldman's work delves into consciousness and language, producing innovative poetry that challenges conventional structures. Notable projects include "Marriage: A Sentence" and "Gossamurmur," highlighting her focus on cultural intervention and the preservation of poetry's auditory heritage. Her influential works also include "Fast Speaking Woman" and various selected poems.

Exploring the intersection of poetics and Tibetan Buddhist wisdom, this work delves into a pivotal era in American poetry. Anne Waldman highlights the influence of Chögyam Trungpa and the Beat writers, revealing the cultural and intellectual dynamics of the time. The book includes previously unpublished poems by Waldman, providing an intimate glimpse into a generation where spirituality, literature, and activism converge, making it a significant contribution to understanding this unique crossroads.

Sbírka Žena v řeči bystrá vyšla poprvé v roce 1975; ke dvacátému výročí ji vydalo nakladatelství City Lights Books v rozšířené podobě. Její český překlad víceméně zachovává tuto verzi. Samotná báseň Žena v řeči bystrá zachycuje fascinaci mexickou šamankou Marií Sabinou a zaříkávadly jakožto důležitým žánrem současné performativní poezie. Dále sbírka obsahuje zaklínadla, vzývání, žalozpěvy, rituální deklamace, básně-cestopisy a témata ovlivněná etnopoetikou, tibetským buddhismem, feminismem a performancí. Pradávná orální tradice, magie a extáze se střetává s novým pojetím síly mluveného slova. Esej "Já je někdo jiný." Rozptýlené struktury vysvětlují teoretická východiska, zdroje a inspirace Anne Waldman a dokreslují její vizi světa prožívaného skrz poezii.