David Solway Knihy

This collection of poems continues David Solway's exploration in the realm of fictive translation.

Andreas Karavis, hailed as Greece's modern Homer, is introduced to English-speaking audiences with this collection, featuring his renowned works. Born in 1932, he gained prominence with his first book, White Poems, in 1965, followed by The Dream Masters in 1989, solidifying his status in modern Greek literature. The title poem, a hallmark of his poetic legacy, is widely anthologized and frequently studied in university courses, showcasing Karavis' impactful voice and thematic depth.

The narrative explores the intricate relationship between chess and human psychology, suggesting that the way players handle chess pieces mirrors their character traits and motivations. Each action, whether it’s gently capturing a piece or aggressively sweeping the board, reflects deeper themes of power, cowardice, and noble intentions. The author connects these behaviors to the nature of murder, revealing a spectrum of moral complexities and emotional states, ultimately tying it to familial legacy and the impact of despair.

The translation showcases the work of Rhys Savarin, a young poet from Dominica, celebrated for his vivid portrayals of lush landscapes and island life. David Solway's adaptation captures Savarin's unique blend of visual detail and local vernacular, highlighting themes of magic and nature. The poems reflect a rich tapestry of clarity, musicality, humor, and insight, contributing to Solway's reputation as a distinctive voice in Canadian poetry. Savarin's work joins that of other international poets, enriching the literary landscape.

The collection features poems primarily composed in Greece and later refined in Canada, showcasing the poet's journey and cultural experiences. Dating back to 1966, these works reflect a blend of influences and perspectives shaped by two distinct environments, highlighting themes of place, identity, and transformation.

The essays explore the pressing challenges facing the West, including the rise of a theologically-driven terrorist movement and the pervasive influence of left-liberal ideologies. They critique political correctness for stifling language and truth, while also addressing the widespread disdain for America and Western civilization within global institutions and liberal culture. Through this lens, the book provides a comprehensive analysis of contemporary societal and cultural dilemmas.

The book features a collection of postcard sonnets, crafted as intimate letters to the poet's wife. Set against the backdrop of Greece and the Eastern Townships of Quebec, these sonnets capture the beauty of the landscapes and the poet's reflections on love and longing. Each poem offers a glimpse into the poet's experiences and emotions during his travels, creating a heartfelt dialogue that intertwines personal connection with the vivid imagery of the locations.

In a timely collection of essays, David Solway addresses pressing questions surrounding the Jewish claims to the Holy Land, the conflicts between Muslims and Jews, and the implications of Western cultural decline on these issues. He explores how the rise of extreme leftism in North America contributes to hate and violence both domestically and internationally. With clarity and scholarly insight, Solway provides accessible answers to complex topics, making this work relevant for readers seeking to understand the intricacies of current events.

Habibi, the love poems of the Moroccan poet Alim Maghrebi, is the latest in a series of David Solway's poetic "translations", dating from Andreas Karavis' Saracen Island and including Nesmine Rifat's Pallikari, Rhys Savarin's Reaching for Clear, Bartholomew the Englishman's The Properties of Things, and Dov Ben-Zamir'sNew Wine, Old Bottles, the latter still in manuscript. These are what Solway calls his "ostensibles", poetic voices and artifacts which he regards as constituting an extended trope or metaphor of the desire for transformation.