S O S: Poems 1961-2013

I read this entire volume, and there is not one memorable poem in it. There are no powerful images or righteous indignation. Tepid, unfocused lines with no direction are plentiful in these poems.Mr. Baraka is a poseur, and relies heavily on name dropping, sophomoric attitude and simplistic observations. If ever there was proof that art and politics don't mix, " SOS : Poems 1961-2013" is it.Richard. Gessner, author of "The Conduit and other Visionary Tales of Morphing Whimsy"

Amiri Baraka aka Leroy Jones is one of the greatest poets of the century. This compilation of his poems is the landscape of his life and offers deep insights in the social, psychological and literary culture of African Americans. His passionate defense of the creativity and sensitivity of the black artist in America is unparalleled. He is not to be judged by his politics but the brilliance and honesty he brings in articulating the rage of what Gunnar Mydal labeled the American Dilemma. Unfortunately, often unlooked or rarely discussed is Baraka's full command of the American and European literary tradition, including Pound, Shakespeare, Faulkner, Dostoyevsky, Dickens,Richard Wright, Camus, Sartre, Joyce and an infinite numbers of artists and playwrights. And there is no better expert of the historical tradition and relevancy of Jazz and Blues. This book is something every American should read.

This book of poetry and essays will help bring about solution to life most important questions about the Afru-ikan American and beyond. I have always enjoyed the eloquence and boldness of this skillful and knowledgeable poet and writer, Amiri Baraka is brilliant in everything he touches, read on America and know the true values of the African American life!

Some poems are dark which Makes me wonder about the mind of Amiri .... I love the depth of this writing. This book of poetry will take you on a ride... great read

It was as described. Great Condition.

Baraka's words have a dark and brooding musical power. His poems flow like Monk or Miles, surveying the landscape of their gifts. Following him from beat poet to third world Marxist, shows the true beauty of the African American intellectual mind, at work. This collection shows that Baraka's whole writing career was based on the idea of transition. Movement controlled every aspect of his work. His restless spirit, could easily be a measuring stick for black people's existence in this country as a whole. Our path and growth could easily be tracked in each one of his literary personas. No other poet has taken the mantle of cultural spokesmen with more conviction, before or since.

The book took a long time to arrive but when it did it was in perfect condition.

This book is so good to read! I enjoyed it by the beach or just anywhere!

Oddly enough this anthology does not contain the title poem. 'SOS' was a key Black Arts Movement poem, but is featured nowhere in this anthology. Similarly the case for 'It's Nation Time'. Very disappointing due to lacking some of the most groundbreaking Baraka poetry.

A superb collection of one of humanities great poets