Collected Poems: Volume II 1939-1962

William Carlos Williams' Collected Poems Volume II reissued as a Carcanet Classic.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2019
Publisher: Carcanet Press Ltd

William Carlos Williams' Collected Poems Volume II, originally published in 1939, marked a significant milestone in his artistic journey. This collection, reissued as a Carcanet Classic, offers a captivating glimpse into his evolving strategies, the emergence of a distinctive poetic foot, and the unwavering voice of a poet who remains a towering figure in American modernism.

Included within this second volume are the collections he published alongside his renowned masterpiece, Paterson. These include The Wedge (1944), The Clouds (1948), and The Pink Church (1949). These collections not only showcase Williams's poetic prowess but also provide valuable insights into his development of a distinctive three-step line, which is evident in his works such as The Desert Music (1954) and Journey to Love (1955).

Furthermore, this volume includes Williams's final Pulitzer Prize volume, Pictures from Breughel (1962), a testament to his enduring legacy. The arrangement of the poems in chronological order, as in Volume I, allows readers to trace the evolution of Williams's artistic voice. Additionally, the editor includes previously uncollected pieces, interspersed between the individual books, providing a comprehensive view of his artistic growth.

What sets Williams apart is his remarkable directness, a quality that challenges and captivates his readers. To further explore his revision techniques, the editor presents some poems in earlier and later versions, allowing us to witness the subtle nuances and transformations that shaped his works. Furthermore, a few poems from the suppressed 1909 volume are included, offering a glimpse into the early stages of Williams's poetic journey.

The Collected Poems Volume II is accompanied by a comprehensive editorial apparatus, including an introduction, notes, and a bibliography, which further enhances our understanding and appreciation of Williams's poetic legacy.

In conclusion, William Carlos Williams' Collected Poems Volume II, reissued as a Carcanet Classic, serves as a testament to the enduring brilliance of this visionary poet. Through its meticulous presentation of his works, this collection provides a profound exploration of his artistic development, showcasing his unique voice and his profound impact on the world of poetry.

Weight: 738g
Dimension: 219 x 139 x 45 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784108441
Edition number: 2 ed