Ludlow

Lyrical and powerful. A modern epic poem about one of the great tragic events in America. It's a history lesson that carries you through the story of the Ludlow mine massacre. My father-in-law was an immigrant Italian who in his youth worked in the coal mines of the Southwest. Although he never worked in Colorado mines, many he knew of did, and all miners know, and feel deeply about, Ludlow. Driving with him between Colorado and New Mexico, he always pointed to the Ludlow monument signs. This is at once a picture of how brutality in man can overcome him, a history lesson, and a richly imagined, well-written piece of literature.

Since this is an epic poem, not a novel, the comments about plot do not apply. I'd heard there was a poem about the Ludlow massacre in Colorado but hadn't read it until an article about David Mason appeared in Sun magazine. Was glad to find it in Kindle form. Interesting blank verse approach to an epic poem, and the characters give a unique perspective on this grim event in Colorado history.

David Mason has really hit it with this work of narrative poetry. This was a method I was totally unfamiliarwith but found to be a fascinating form. I was familiar with the history of the Ludlow Massacre and had grown up in Trinidad, but the fictionalized story with its characters put blood and bone to what I had heard and read. I loved the insertion of the personal,(maybe because I knew the characters). Very much worth reading. Ludlow (2nd edition)

A good book and an interesting way to tell the story of the Ludlow Massacre and the miners, unions, and the wealthy elite and their dogs that were involved.

I love this piece of local historical fiction. Although depressing, it brings to light some Colorado history that just doesn't make the standard US History text book.

Ludlow, in a single word, starkly illustrates the the brutal tactics of America's capitalist kings, versus the over-worked, under paid and largely powerless coal miners of early twentieth century southern Colorado. This is a well-written and researched book, and should be required reading for every member of congress.

Written in iambic pentameter. The beauty of the verse did little to diminish the severity of the slaughter. Valid in the account, with the perspective of the main character a plus.

Tragic circumstances. Super read.