PoetryPreviews

Click to Order In the American Tree (ed. Ron Silliman - soft $$) If even only remotely interested in L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E P=O=E=T=R=Y, In the American Tree: Language, Realism, Poetry is an asset! First published in 1986, along with Messerli’s Language Poetries, this anthology of L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E P=O=E=T=S showcases many outstanding works and authors. It surprised me to discover it remains in print, with considerable thanks to the National Poetry Foundation. In addition, keep an eye out for Silliman’s out-of-print book published in 1987, titled New Sentence. This nonfiction work (though not nonfiction in the way most are familiar with) serves as a manifesto not just for L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E P=O=E=T=S, but for writers of all types who consider themselves innovative at best, and open-minded at least.

Click to Order A Celebration of Sun and Moon Classics, No. 50 (ed. Douglas Messerli - soft $) Edited by Douglas Messerli, who brought the classic L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E P=O=E=T=R=Y anthology Language Poetries to light in 1986 (unfortunately now out of print), this anthology of works by experimental writers (some who are or were considered L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E P=O=E=T=S) shows a commitment to innovative writing. I highly recommend this books and ask you to keep an eye out for all books by the Sun and Moon press, as they publish many exceptional experimental authors.

Click to Order Bernstein’s Content’s Dream: Essays (soft $). Content’s Dream: Essays, 1975-1984 (Sun and Moon Classics, No. 49). Essays by Charles Bernstein that help readers understand not only the aesthetic of L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E poetry but also the importance of language itself.