Robert Duncan Book order

The biography offers an in-depth look at the iconic rock band KISS through the eyes of Robert Duncan, a former Creem editor. It includes personal anecdotes from encounters with band members Gene, Paul, Peter, and Ace, alongside tales from their early struggles. The book features unique elements such as handwriting analysis and humor, reflecting Duncan's distinctive approach. Originally published in 1978 and now reissued with a new introduction, it has become a sought-after collectible after being out of print for 25 years.

Robert Duncan, a prominent postwar American poet, garnered admiration from notable contemporaries such as Robert Creeley and Charles Olson. Celebrated for his exceptional ear for language, as noted by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Duncan's influence and significance in American poetry are increasingly acknowledged, placing him alongside literary giants like Ezra Pound and William Carlos Williams. His work continues to resonate within the poetic landscape, highlighting his lasting impact on the genre.

The book serves as a facsimile reprint of a historically significant original, preserving its cultural importance. While it may include imperfections like marks and flawed pages due to its age, the reprint aims to maintain the integrity of the original text. This effort reflects a commitment to protecting and promoting valuable literary works in accessible, high-quality editions.

Robert Duncan was a defining figure of twentieth-century American poetry. Eric Mottram was a pioneer in the field of American Studies in the UK and a key contributor to the British Poetry Revival. In the 1970s the two men conducted a wide-ranging dialogue on poetry, politics and the religious through an exchange of intense and often expansive letters. Mottram continued the dialogue in two substantive critical examinations of Duncan’s work. The Unruly Garden presents an annotated edition of the complete available correspondence along with the two essays. The first essay was heavily edited when originally published and is included here in its restored form. The second essay appeared in a small press magazine and now receives the wider circulation it deserves.

Exploring the complexities of American identity, this work delves into the historical context of invasions and the intertwined legacies of European colonization and African enslavement. It reflects on the struggles and dreams of a nation grappling with its past, offering a profound commentary on the socio-political landscape. Through evocative language, the author invites readers to confront the realities of America's history and the ongoing impact of these foundational experiences.

Duncan's work reflects a profound cosmic imagination, positioning him as a pivotal figure in poetry. The expanded second edition of his Selected Poems includes eleven new pieces, offering a comprehensive view of his literary journey. Editor Robert J. Bertholf curates selections from Duncan's early works to his later Ground Work volumes, showcasing his evolution as a poet. Notable for its prophetic insight, this collection highlights Duncan's unique voice and his exploration of themes through serial compositions like "Structures of Rime" and "Passages."