This book-length poem by one of the major poets of our era is structured as a series of messages transmitted by a master spy to the director of spy operations and to a number of his fellow spies. The spy speaks of his own alienation and sense of purposelessness as a secret agent--a metaphor for a human existence committed to ordering, deciphering, and making sense of a world of random signs. First published in 1974, the book is now reprinted with a substantial introduction by the author that elaborates on the genesis of the ...
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This book-length poem by one of the major poets of our era is structured as a series of messages transmitted by a master spy to the director of spy operations and to a number of his fellow spies. The spy speaks of his own alienation and sense of purposelessness as a secret agent--a metaphor for a human existence committed to ordering, deciphering, and making sense of a world of random signs. First published in 1974, the book is now reprinted with a substantial introduction by the author that elaborates on the genesis of the poem, the literary figures who inspired some of the characters, the poem's reception, and other matters. Reviews of the earlier edition: "These poems can be read and admired for their fluidity, their wonderful diversity of significance. . . . Many delights."--Richard Poirier, Los Angeles Times "Hollander's arch and subtle long poem allegorizes the mirror closeness between raveller and unraveller."--George Steiner, New Yorker "Hollander explores with wit and virtuosity the pleasures of poetry (encipherment) and the trials of the workaday world (one's 'cover.') . . . A rich, intelligent poem . . . a special pleasure for those with an ear for allusions, parodies, and puns."-- Library Journal
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Add this copy of Reflections on Espionage: The Question of Cupcake to cart. $23.96, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 1999 by Yale University Press.
Add this copy of Reflections on Espionage: The Question of Cupcake to cart. $34.71, new condition, Sold by Ria Christie Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Uxbridge, MIDDLESEX, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1999 by Yale University Press.
Add this copy of Reflections on Espionage: The Question of Cupcake to cart. $36.10, new condition, Sold by Booksplease rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Southport, MERSEYSIDE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1999 by Yale University Press.
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Add this copy of Reflections on Espionage: the Question of Cupcake to cart. $106.66, new condition, Sold by GridFreed rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from North Las Vegas, NV, UNITED STATES, published 1976 by Atheneum Books.
