Mark Scroggins Knihy

The Poem of a Life is the first critical biography of Louis Zukofsky, a fascinating and crucially important American modernist poet. It details the curve of his career, from the early Waste Land-parody “Poem beginning 'The'” (1926) to the dense and tantalizing beauties of his last poems, 80 Flowers(1978), paying special attention to the monumental, complex, and formally various epic poem “A”, on which Zukofsky labored for almost fifty years, and which he called “a poem of a life.” Zukofsky was a protégé of Ezra Pound's, an artistic collaborator and close friend of William Carlos Williams's, and the leader of a whole school of 1930s avant-garde poets, the Objectivists. Later in life he was close friends with such younger writers as Robert Creeley, Paul Metcalf, Robert Duncan, Jonathan Williams, and Guy Davenport. His work spans the divide from modernism to postmodernism, and his later writings have proved an inspiration to whole new generations of innovative poets. Zukofsky's poetry is oblique, condensed, and as fantastically detailed as the late writings of James Joyce, yet it bears at every point the marks of the poet's life and times.

Focusing on the poetry of Louis Zukofsky, this work presents a provocative introduction to his thought and writing, highlighting his status as one of the first postmodernists. Mark Scroggins delves into Zukofsky's literary contributions, offering critical insights that are essential for understanding his influence on modern and contemporary poetics. As part of the Modern and Contemporary Poetics series, this book serves as a significant resource for both scholars and enthusiasts of Zukofsky's work.

Robert Toombs is portrayed as a complex figure in 19th-century American politics, known for his fiery personality and influential role leading up to the Civil War. His journey from state office to congressman and senator highlights his political acumen and charm. Initially advocating for sectional reconciliation, Toombs ultimately transformed into a staunch supporter of secession, reflecting the turbulent political landscape of his time. His character combines sarcasm, egotism, and graciousness, making him a compelling historical figure.

Exploring the depths of human experience, this collection of poems delves into themes of pain, beauty, and connection. The title suite captivates with a masterful interplay of realities and lives, revealing the poet's keen awareness of both suffering and transfiguration. Through a range of tones, Mark Scroggins expresses a profound affection for the human condition, capturing the intricate relationship we have with our bodies and the sorrow that accompanies loss. The poems invite readers to reflect on their own wounds and the shared nature of existence.

The collection features nineteen engaging essays that explore influential twentieth- and twenty-first-century poets and writers. Mark Scroggins employs wit to argue that modernist verse innovations persist in contemporary literature, enriching it both intellectually and aesthetically. His analysis highlights the ongoing relevance of modernism in shaping current poetic and literary landscapes.

Mark Scroggins showcases his expertise in poetry through a collection of reviews, short essays, and weblog posts that span a wide range of poets and styles. Covering figures from Andrew Marvell to Rae Armantrout and exploring movements from high modernism to Language Poetry, the work reflects his deep engagement with twentieth-century poetry. This compilation not only highlights his critical insights but also offers readers a diverse perspective on the evolution of poetic forms and themes.