Gods and Mortals

Modern Poems on Classical Myths

Fiction & Literature, Poetry, Anthologies, Inspirational & Religious, Literary Theory & Criticism
Cover of the book Gods and Mortals by , Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9780190285302
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: March 22, 2001
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9780190285302
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: March 22, 2001
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

For centuries, poets have looked into the mirror of classical myth to show us the many ways our emotional lives are still reflected in the ancient stories of heroism, hubris, transformation, and loss that myths so eloquently tell. Now, in Gods and Mortals: Modern Poems on Classical Myths, we have the first anthology to gather the great 20th century myth-inspired poems from around the world. "Perhaps it is because the myths echo the structure of our unconscious that every new generation of poets finds them a source of inspiration and self-recognition," says Nina Kossman in her introduction to this marvelous collection. Indeed, from Valery, Yeats, Lawrence, Rilke, Akhmatova, and Auden writing in the first half of the century to such contemporary poets as Lucille Clifton, Derek Walcott, Rita Dove, Wislawa Szymborska, and Mark Strand, the material of Greek myth has elicited a poetry of remarkably high achievement. And by organizing the poems first into broad categories such as "Heroes," "Lovers," "Trespassers," and secondly around particular mythological figures such as Persephone, Orpheus, or Narcissus, readers are treated to a fascinating spectrum of poems on the same subject. For example, the section on Odysseus includes poems by Cavafy, W. S. Merwin, Gregory Corso, Gabriel Zaid, Louise Gluck, Wallace Stevens, and many others. Thus we are allowed to see the familiar Greek hero refracted through the eyes, and sharply varying stylistic approaches, of a wide range of poets from around the world. Here, then, is a collection of extraordinary poems that testifies to--and amply rewards--our ongoing fascination with classical myth.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

For centuries, poets have looked into the mirror of classical myth to show us the many ways our emotional lives are still reflected in the ancient stories of heroism, hubris, transformation, and loss that myths so eloquently tell. Now, in Gods and Mortals: Modern Poems on Classical Myths, we have the first anthology to gather the great 20th century myth-inspired poems from around the world. "Perhaps it is because the myths echo the structure of our unconscious that every new generation of poets finds them a source of inspiration and self-recognition," says Nina Kossman in her introduction to this marvelous collection. Indeed, from Valery, Yeats, Lawrence, Rilke, Akhmatova, and Auden writing in the first half of the century to such contemporary poets as Lucille Clifton, Derek Walcott, Rita Dove, Wislawa Szymborska, and Mark Strand, the material of Greek myth has elicited a poetry of remarkably high achievement. And by organizing the poems first into broad categories such as "Heroes," "Lovers," "Trespassers," and secondly around particular mythological figures such as Persephone, Orpheus, or Narcissus, readers are treated to a fascinating spectrum of poems on the same subject. For example, the section on Odysseus includes poems by Cavafy, W. S. Merwin, Gregory Corso, Gabriel Zaid, Louise Gluck, Wallace Stevens, and many others. Thus we are allowed to see the familiar Greek hero refracted through the eyes, and sharply varying stylistic approaches, of a wide range of poets from around the world. Here, then, is a collection of extraordinary poems that testifies to--and amply rewards--our ongoing fascination with classical myth.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book Florence: Oxford Bibliographies Online Research Guide by
Cover of the book Everyday Stalinism:Ordinary Life in Extraordinary Times: Soviet Russia in the 1930s by
Cover of the book Invisible Subjects by
Cover of the book Democracy and the News by
Cover of the book On Romantic Love by
Cover of the book Folklore, Cultural Performances, and Popular Entertainments by
Cover of the book Architects of Piety by
Cover of the book The Necessity of Theater by
Cover of the book A Day Apart by
Cover of the book The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way by
Cover of the book Border Lives by
Cover of the book Diagnosing Giants by
Cover of the book Latin Poetry: From the Beginnings through the End of the Republic: Oxford Bibliographies Online Research Guide by
Cover of the book Cityscapes of Violence in Karachi by
Cover of the book Through the Lion Gate by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy