The new Hudson Review features an article by Dave Mason on a handful of new poetry books. It's a fine introduction to some new and promising writers, and an update on some who may be familiar or should be more familiar -- such as his comments on Jay Parini's new collection.
RPW

In the same issue my former student Jon Mooallem has a poem, and there's an interesting philosophical essay on poetry by Emily Grosholtz. I also like Jarman on Gilgamesh.
Dave

The Grosholtz essay reads almost like Emerson: An engaging thesis arrived at rather elliptically. Her first couple of pages gild the lilly. However, I think most formalist poets will be attracted to the idea that our notions of beauty are not utterly capricious, not mere social constructs, but instead arise from and reflect fundamental features of the cosmos. Or something like that. Unfortunately, as much as I like the idea, dwelling too long upon it makes my head hurt.
RPW

Congratz, Dave !

wendy

Richard,

Many thanks for flagging this up.

Am looking forward to reading the article when the journal hits Cambridge, England, Univ. Library. David's pieces are always engaging. Have enjoyed Jay Parini's biography of Frost but am as yet fairly ignorant of his (P's) poetry.

Margaret

Thanks Wendy and Margaret. And for dwellers across the pond, I think I'll have another poem in the TLS fairly soon--at least I've read it in proof.....

David,

I look forward to reading your latest musings in HR. Congratulations!

Terese

Dave, congrats, & I expect I'll get mine in a few weeks... they don't exactly RUSH them over the Atlantic. Lovely to hear what I'm looking forward to.

And I hope I manage to get the right issue of the TLS! I tend to miss the odd one; I must really update that subscription.


KEB

Thanks Terese and Katy, and if I find out which TLS I'll let you know.......

As for the Hudson piece, I feel it's rather pedestrian, but am much prouder of a piece on the ancient Greek poets that might be in the fall issue. I'm trying to write about James Wright's letters for them right now.....

[This message has been edited by David Mason (edited July 27, 2005).]

Nice piece by OUR Andrew Frisardi too...