Philip Levine Knihy

Philip Levine’s New Selected Poems replaces Selected Poems (1984) by adding to it a generous choice of major work from each of the two volumes that followed Sweet Will (1985) and A Walk With Tom Jefferson (1988).

Winner of the National Book Award in 1991 “This collection amounts to a hymn of praise for all the workers of America. These proletarian heroes, with names like Lonnie, Loo, Sweet Pea, and Packy, work the furnaces, forges, slag heaps, assembly lines, and loading docks at places with unglamorous names like Brass Craft or Feinberg and Breslin’s First-Rate Plumbing and Plating. Only Studs Terkel’s Working approaches the pathos and beauty of this book. But Levine’s characters are also significant for their inner lives, not merely their jobs. They are unusually artistic, living ‘at the borders of dreams.’ One reads The Tempest ‘slowly to himself’; another ponders a diagonal chalk line drawn by his teacher to suggest a triangle, the roof of a barn, or the mysterious separation of ‘the dark from the dark.’ What Work Is ranks as a major work by a major poet . . . very accessible and utterly American in tone and language.”—Daniel L. Guillory, Library Journal

The Pulitzer Prize-winning work from 1995 explores profound themes of identity, resilience, and the human experience. Through richly developed characters and a compelling narrative, it delves into the complexities of personal and societal struggles, offering insight into the human condition. The author’s masterful storytelling and vivid imagery create an immersive reading experience that resonates with readers, making it a significant contribution to contemporary literature.

Exploring the profound transitions of life, this poetry collection reflects on journeys from innocence to experience, youth to age, and sanity to madness. The title poem poignantly illustrates a young girl's voyage to America, symbolizing the resilience and lessons learned through hardship. It emphasizes themes of mercy and sustenance, portraying the beauty found in simple moments. The collection invites readers to reflect on their own paths, celebrating both the struggles and triumphs that shape our existence.

Memory and personal history intertwine in this exploration of an individual's life and the experiences of his ancestors. The narrative reflects on the journey through an America marked by both triumphs and disappointments, starting from the author's birth in the early industrial era. Key figures include family members and influential artists, revealing a rich tapestry of relationships and the struggles faced in a changing society. Through vivid recollections, the author captures the essence of growing up amidst the complexities of the American experience from the 1930s onward.