Title
The Gazer's Spirit: Poems Speaking to Silent Works of Art,Used
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
This magnificent book is a gallery of words and images that celebrates the sister arts of poetry and painting. John Hollander, the eminent poet and critic, has selected more than fifty works of artpaintings, prints, drawings, photographs, and sculptures from antiquity to the presentand matched them to poems that address the same images in their verses. The result is an illuminating and ingeniously organized chronicle of words and images in conversation, as well as a powerful introduction to how, across Western culture, great writers have been inspired by pictures.The Gazer's Spirit focuses on leading examples of ecphrastic poetry, or poems that directly confront particular works of art. Hollander, who is one of the most distinguished contemporary practitioners of the ecphrastic tradition, has crafted a survey of enormous range, taste, and depth, from the Renaissance to the twentieth century. The heart of the book is its gallery of poems and images set side by side.There are poems whose presence in this book is all but inevitable, such as Auden's 'Musee des Beaux Arts' paired with Breugel the Elder's Landscape with the Fall of Icarus, and delightful surprises, such as Edith Wharton's sonnet that casts fresh light on Leonardo's Mona Lisa. Here are Robert Browning and Michelangelo; Walt Whitman and George Inness; and Randall Jarrell and Albrecht Drer writing and drawing about The Knight, Death and the Devil.Among the poets are many visually sophisticated writers such as James Merrill, Richard Howard, Marianne Moore, and Richard Wilbur; the visual objects in the book are both celebrated and obscure, as various as a Greek sculplture, a medieval tapestry, a famous Renoir, or a fountain by an anonymous architect. In some cases, obvious affinities, such as a poem by Vicki Hearne on a white horse by Gauguin, produce unexpected poetic results.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: This book has three hundred eighty pages. It offers a comprehensive exploration of poetry and art throughout Western culture.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures seven point five two inches in length, one point two six inches in width, and ten point five one inches in height.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book features hardcover binding. This ensures durability and a premium feel for readers.
- Q: Who is the author of 'The Gazer's Spirit'? A: The author is John Hollander. He is a renowned poet and critic known for his expertise in ecphrastic poetry.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book falls under the genre of anthologies. It combines poetry and visual art to create a unique experience.
- Q: How do I read this book? A: You can read this book by exploring the paired poems and artworks side by side. It provides a rich context for understanding art through poetry.
- Q: Is this book suitable for all ages? A: Yes, this book is suitable for a general audience. It offers insights into poetry and art that can be appreciated by readers of various ages.
- Q: What is ecphrastic poetry? A: Ecphrastic poetry is a form of writing that vividly describes a work of art. This book showcases leading examples of this poetic tradition.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store the book upright in a cool, dry place. This helps maintain its condition and protects the hardcover from damage.
- Q: Can I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can gently wipe the cover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions, as they may damage the pages.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most sellers have policies in place for damaged items.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, books generally do not come with a warranty. However, you can check the return policy for any specific issues.
- Q: How does this book compare to other poetry anthologies? A: This book uniquely combines poems and artworks, unlike many anthologies that focus solely on poetry. It provides a visual context that enhances the reading experience.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for academic use? A: Yes, this book is appropriate for academic use. It serves as a valuable resource for studying the relationship between poetry and visual art.
- Q: What themes are explored in 'The Gazer's Spirit'? A: The book explores themes of inspiration, the dialogue between words and images, and the ecphrastic tradition in poetry.
- Q: Are there notable poets featured in this book? A: Yes, notable poets such as W. H. Auden, Robert Browning, and Walt Whitman are featured. Their works are paired with significant artworks.