PICNIC IN BABYLON

by John L'Heureux ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1967

John L'Heureux is the young Jesuit poet-priest whose collections (Rubrics for a Revolution and Quick as Dandelions) have created something of a stir in literary circles in the last few years for their quality, and in publishing circles for their commercial viability. He now insists on publishing his journal covering the years 1963-1967. One says ""insists"" because only firm insistence, probably, could move a commercial publisher to take on the task of attempting to sell a diary which is distinguished neither by the author's stature nor by the book's spontaneity, interest, originality, or style. The over-all tedium is occasionally relieved by the brief appearance of a distinguished fellow-Jesuit (e.g., John Courtney Murray), but that is hardly enough to salvage this collage of conventual recollection, self-conscious self-probing, and eye-toward-publication intimacy. Father L'Heureux' admirers will be grateful when the poet returns to the formulation of rubrics and the cultivation of dandelions.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1967

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1967

Categories: NONFICTION