132,957
edits
Changes
The Anthologist by Nicholson Baker (view source)
Revision as of 15:58, 27 August 2020
, 15:58, 27 August 2020no edit summary
So why is this a compelling read? Well, there are the questions of whether Roz will return and whether the foreword will get written. I won't give away the former. But maybe it's not spoiling too much to reveal that as you read the book, you realise that, in between the humdrum tasks, surreal imaginings, and Paul's ephemeral musings, are nestled some pertinent thoughts.
You notice that Chowder has original things to say about the origins of rhyme, and the nature of poetic metre. He has acute insights about poets past and present, famous and obscure. He is, in short, a good writer about poetry. And there in front of you, is his foreword. As a bonus, you come to like to him along the way, for he is a modest, funny, kind person.
This book combines the best of Baker, the miniaturist analyst of everyday life, with his understated skills as a storyteller. The result is a charming portrait of a flawed but attractive personality and an original essay on poetry and art. Whichever way you prefer to see it, It deserves to be discovered, read and cherished.
I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to The Bookbag.
For a more light-hearted look at the life of a poet , we can recommend [[The Financial Lives of the Poets by Jess Walter]]. We also enjoyed [[Travelling Sprinkler by Nicholson Baker]].
{{amazontext|amazon=1847397824}}