The Selected Poems of Kenneth Rexroth

I really don't know how to classify or describe Rexroth's poetry. Some of it is, like William Blake's, deliberately child-like and superbly witty and ironic (i.e. "A BESTIARY"). Some of it is epistolic (such as his "Letter to William Carlos Williams" – whom he admired greatly). And much of it reflects nature – and there are some love poems in this book as well.He was also not enamored with much of what is loosely termed, "Western Civilization." Apparently he was good at translating Chinese verse, although none of it is included in this volume.I can only say that I admire his word choice (diction) and the musical flow of the language and can recommend this book to anyone who appreciates a sensitive look at what's around them.

This was the first book of Kenneth Rexroth I acquired after reading that the poet Robert Hass counted him among his influences. What I found was that this poet's poet captivated me even more than his successors. If you only ever get one book of Rexroth's work, this one will not fail you. I have carried this little volume with me all over the country, and poignantly out west, and found the themes and messages contained herein provided me with the same deeply satisfying sense of continuity that others might take from a well-worn journal or, heck, even their bible. Inside you'll find everything from soft, subtle works of love to passionate eroticism; from examinations of the poet himself to grand ruminations on the nature of politics and war; and the most beautiful descriptions of the natural world ever written. Some of my favorite pieces--though there are hardly any corners of the book I have not explored and found something to love in--are the most intimate, capturing very specific moments in the poet's life that resonate with a sense of the universal in life:"On What Planet""Lute Music""Marthe Away (She Is Away)""When We With Sappho""A Sword In A Cloud Of Light"If you love poetry, get this book. If you love history, get this book. If you're a philosopher at heart, get this book. If nature, love, and mortality consume your thoughts, get this book. If the power and boldness of clear, masterful speech thrills you, get this book.

The book arrived on time and in good condition. Rexroth is a bit more dense and complicated then I expected (I have a masters degree in creative writing). He is a poet's poet. If you are not a student of poetry or willing to spend considerable time reading and reading each poem you may want choose another collection.

I am amazed whe I go into a bookstore in San Francisco and find that they don't carry any of Kenneth Rexroth' many books. For many of us that lived in San Francisco during his life he was the teacher. Very few creative artists have been as generous in praising other artists.His poetry has it's own flavor. Particularly touching are the series written over many years about his first wife Andree. Go to the library!read him!

I really don't know how to classify or describe Rexroth's poetry. Some of it is, like William Blake's, deliberately child-like and superbly witty and ironic (i.e. "A BESTIARY"). Some of it is epistolic (such as his "Letter to William Carlos Williams" – whom he admired greatly). And much of it reflects nature – and there are some love poems in this book as well.He was also not enamored with much of what is loosely termed, "Western Civilization." Apparently he was good at translating Chinese verse, although none of it is included in this volume.I can only say that I admire his word choice (diction) and the musical flow of the language and can recommend this book to anyone who appreciates a sensitive look at what's around them.

Father of Beat generation. He was self taught and I find his knowledge fun. Entertained those with autism in shorter poems.