Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #24952 in Books
• Published on: 1994-10-12
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

Synopsis
Contains one hundred and fifty-six poems which include E E Cummings' popular poems, his earliest creations, his vivacious linguistic acrobatics and his last valedictory sonnets.

Customer Reviews

Weak in the presence of genius.
It is with a strong sense of humility that I write a review of a book of poetry as beautiful as this.

E E Cummings - 'Cummings himself used both the lowercase and capitalized versions, but according to his widow did not, as reported in the preface of one book, have his name legally changed to "e. e. cummings". He did, however, write to his French translator that he preferred the capitalized version ("may it not be tricksy")' - wrote such absolutely wonderful poetry that it tends to look as though it were an easy task, dashed off spontaneously in a moment of great passion, but on closer reading it becomes obvious that he constructed his poems with more care than most.
Above all, it is the sense of strong emotion which is conveyed immediately in his poems.

i say no world

can hold a you
shall see the not
because and why but
who stood within his steam be-
ginning and began to sing all
here is hands machine no

There is serious poetry, fun poetry

mr youse needn't be so spry
concernin questions arty

each has his tastes but as for i
i likes a certain party

gimme the he-man's solid bliss
for youse ideas i match youse

a pretty girl who naked is
is worth a million statues

There is serious poetry like
it may not always be so, and i say

and there is beautiful love poetry.

Above all, there is the mark of genius upon all and it is a joy and a humbling feeling to read these poems.
This book is slender enough to be carried around with you all day and it will lighten your spirits and illuminate your mind.

Be sure to buy it, it's good for you!

read it! why?? since feeling is first
Read it, d___ You! Well, i'm sorry, but though We may not Allagree with each and every of cummings' works, it is almost inevitable that something will be found amongst them, that strikes a common cord. The only fault in this book is that the editors had the effrontery, audacity, temerity, impertinence, and even bad, bold meanness to capitalize not only the first 'e' but also the second, and even the 'c' in the poet's name. Well, such blasphemy made me weep; that aside, however, it's a great collection of poems. Be sybaritic and hedonistic: have fun with the book the book. Okay, i suppose i theme can be overplayed. Nevertheless, enjoy.