The Complete Poems (Oxford Poets) Book

A major figure in the development of modernism and of twentieth century poetry as a whole, Basil Bunting (1900-1985) is now recognized as one of the most important British poets of the twentieth century. Best known for Briggflatts--described by Cyril Connolly as "the finest long poem to have been published in England since T.S. Elliot's Four Quartets--he has also been highly praised for his translations, which he called "overdrafts." The Complete Poems, the first volume to bring together the entire collection of Bunting's published work, is a new edition of his Collected Poems. Combined with Richard Caddel's scrupulously prepared Uncollected Poems, this collection maintains the independence of the two volumes, leaving no doubt as to Bunting's own personal choice of works in Collected Poems. Also included are a few extra pieces, including two pieces of juvenilia, limericks, and The Pious Cat, a fable for children transposed from a Persian to a Northumbrian setting, putting it in its rightful place. From Ezra Pound, through Allen Ginsberg, W.S. Merwin, and Donald Davie, to younger poets throughout the world, Basil Bunting is recognized as an outstanding poetic presence. Both a realist--his poetry was "about life"--and profoundly formalist, Bunting's poems demand examination, making this volume a perfect window into the work of this greatly admired poet.Read More