THE DESERT MUSIC

by William Carlos Williams ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

A slim volume, with the same poignancy, simplicity, the same moving and deep humanism, the same belief in the healing power of beauty that is characteristic of his work. The first part is a collection of short poems, that might be called Williams' nearest approach to the lyrical form. For this reader, these were the best; in them Williams speaks at the promptings of a sensitive and wise heart. The second part is a free rendering into English of an Idyll of Theocritus. The author remains a sort of symbolist, here. Third comes a long discursive poem, given originally at the Harvard Assembly at which Williams was awarded an honorary Phi Beta Kappa membership. Too impressionistic to provide a catharsis for the pity and terror it reveals, nonetheless- in describing some encounters on the border of Mexico it demonstrates Williams' sensitivity to values in men and places. While this volume is not Williams at his best, it will be welcomed by all poetry lovers who have come to recognize him as belonging to the foremost ranks of American poets.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Random House

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1954

Categories: NONFICTION