Hammer with No Master

The foreword by Ilya Kaminsky highlights the remarkable qualities of Nancy Naomi Carlson's translations of René Char, emphasizing their intense and dream-like language. He notes the gravity of the tone and suggests that the experience of reading these translations transcends mere words, evoking vivid imagery akin to "sparks of flames." This sets the stage for an exploration of Char's poetic depth and the unique artistry of Carlson's interpretations.