Fred Chappell continues to astonish. In his new collection of verse, he matches the vitality and grace, the deep intelligence and keenly observant sensibility, that characterize such earlier works as Midquest and Source. First and Last Words revives the traditional practice of supplying new prologue and epilogue poems to classic works of literature. The poems invite renewed acquaintance with familiar works and authors-- The Georgics and The Dynasts, Livy and Lucretius, Goethe and Tolstoy, The Wind in the Willows ...
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Fred Chappell continues to astonish. In his new collection of verse, he matches the vitality and grace, the deep intelligence and keenly observant sensibility, that characterize such earlier works as Midquest and Source. First and Last Words revives the traditional practice of supplying new prologue and epilogue poems to classic works of literature. The poems invite renewed acquaintance with familiar works and authors-- The Georgics and The Dynasts, Livy and Lucretius, Goethe and Tolstoy, The Wind in the Willows --and are offered as a celebration of their enduring significance. In "The Watchman," a prologue to the Orteseia, Chappell writes: The watchman keeps his vigil on the roof Of the ruining house. This long year, Stretched out on his belly like a hound, He has awaited the semaphore Blaze, awaited proof Of the victory that shall pull down A proud and bitter family. In rain Or cold starshine, gripping the eave, He has searched the hard horizon for a sign. Still other poems are appreciations of music or the visual arts, as in "My Hand Placed on a Rubens Drawing" The ages work toward mastery Of a single gesture. A torso's twist, The revelation of a thigh, White stone corded in a fist: Fragments that might still add up To compose a figure of the perfected soul As it releases from the grip Of vision that burned to draw it whole. All of the poems in First and Last Words are marked by a thoughtful use of the voice and a careful attention to language. They confirm Fred Chappell's status as one of our very finest living poets.
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Add this copy of First and Last Words: Poems to cart. $1.96, very good condition, Sold by Midtown Scholar Bookstore rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Harrisburg, PA, UNITED STATES, published 1989 by LSU Press.
Add this copy of First and Last Words to cart. $15.00, very good condition, Sold by Row by Row Bookshop rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Sugar Grove, NC, UNITED STATES, published 1989 by Louisiana State University Press.
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Seller's Description:
Very Good. No Dust Jacket. Inscribed by Author(s) Paperback Issue. Signed. A Very Good copy in paper covers of this poetry collection. Tanning at the outer edges of the text block, and to the blank front endpaper. The binding is sound, the text is clean, and there is little cover wear. Briefly inscribed and signed by the author. Signed as "Fred and Susan" (Fred's wife), but in the hand of Fred Chappell.
Add this copy of First and Last Words: Poems to cart. $28.96, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1989 by LSU Press.
Add this copy of First and Last Words to cart. $30.00, like new condition, Sold by Between the Covers-Rare Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Gloucester City, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 1989 by Louisiana State University Press.
Add this copy of First and Last Words: Poems to cart. $37.60, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1989 by Louisiana State Univ Pr.
Add this copy of First and Last Words; Poems to cart. $40.00, Sold by Second Life Books Inc. rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lanesborough, MA, UNITED STATES, published 1989 by Louisiana State University.
Edition:
1989, Louisiana State University
Paperback
Details:
Edition:
First printing
Publisher:
Louisiana State University
Published:
1989
Alibris ID:
14641904085
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Seller's Description:
8vo, pp. vi, 57. Paper wraps. Author's presentation on half-title. Cover very slightly soiled, o/w a nice copy.
Add this copy of First and Last Words: Poems to cart. $68.08, new condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1989 by Louisiana State Univ Pr.
