A worthy collection of generally very fine poetry from American past and present grouped around the theme set forth by Mr....

READ REVIEW

THE WRITING ON THE WALL: 108 American Poems of Protest

A worthy collection of generally very fine poetry from American past and present grouped around the theme set forth by Mr. Lowenfels--""resistance against the world the way it is."" Certainly there are omissions from the point of view of the hip campus poesy-pushers. For example there are few if any of the East Village minstrels included; pages bristle with names of established greats--Ginsberg, Ferlinghetti, Lowell, Jones (LeRoi that is), Schwartz and the notable anthologist himself. There is also a smattering from the past, vaguely suitable, although why the wonderful wiggy bobolink nests of Wylie and Dickinson were included in anyone's guess, unless as an example of the most elegant form of absolute resistance. Selections are sectioned by areas of contemporary American concern. Accessible, moving and stirring poetry, and a rewarding and respectable introduction to some contemporary committed poets, leavened with familiar greats.

Pub Date: Aug. 22, 1969

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1969

Close Quickview