O BUILD A FIRE

by Melville Cane ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 26, 1964

Cane has been publishing poetry at least since 1926, poetry which has had magazine publication first and then intermittent book appearance. This new collection is mixed. There are many very short, Nash-type poems, which show dexterity in wordplay but are perhaps printed too close together. Two long poems, occasioned by his wife's death, are very different; one is quite memorable, the other a little reminiscent of Frost. There are several translations of the Russian poet Evgeny Vinokurov printed first in Pages from Tarusa (cf. p. 321). At the end is a gallant, somewhat ambient definition of the poet's aims and philosophy, ending with a fine earlier poem. Mr. Cane is a witty, succinct, dedicated poet even though the collection itself is uneven.

Pub Date: Aug. 26, 1964

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harcourt, Brace & World

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1964

Categories: NONFICTION