Matthias John Livres

This collection features all of John Matthias's long poems written before 2010, showcasing his diverse themes and styles. Notable works include "Facts from an Apocryphal Midwest," "Northern Summer," and "The Mihail Lermontov Poems," among others. Each poem reflects the author's unique voice and perspective, offering readers a comprehensive view of his poetic evolution. The volume serves as a significant addition to the understanding of Matthias's contributions to contemporary poetry.

Timothy "Westy" Westmont's journey unfolds through six engaging episodes that blend humor and poignancy, exploring his life as an archivist and thief while encountering literary figures like Faulkner and Hemingway. The narrative is structured in a non-linear fashion, enhanced by interchapters that delve into various music genres shaping Westmont's experiences from the 1940s to the early 21st century. The book culminates in a reflective final chapter, presenting a miniature bildungsroman that serves as both a personal story and an elegy for a dear friend.

Exploring a rich tapestry of influences, the book reflects on John Matthias's fifty-year poetic journey, honoring mentors, friends, and experiences. It features a mix of poetic styles alongside two essays, showcasing Matthias's versatility as a poet, editor, and teacher. His recent memoir, "Living with a Visionary," detailing his late wife's battle with Parkinson's, is complemented by "Hacheston Halt," which recounts an early visit to her home. Esteemed for his contributions to poetry, Matthias is celebrated as a significant voice in American literature.

This collection marks the beginning of an extensive project to compile the complete works of John Matthias, featuring two volumes of shorter poems and one of longer poems. Released in the year of the poet's 70th birthday, it aims to reintroduce a significant body of work that deserves greater recognition among readers in both the U.S. and the U.K.

Exploring neurological themes, this poetry collection showcases John Matthias's experimental style and diverse influences, including translation and shorter elegiac poems. The work culminates in a title sequence that confronts neurological issues, reflecting his longstanding theoretical interests. Critics have noted his stylistic versatility, evident in the interplay of various forms throughout the volume. Additionally, the notes provide valuable insights, particularly on the title poem, "A Poetics of Parkinson's," enriching the reader's understanding of the themes presented.

Exploring personal and literary themes, this collection features memoirs and critical essays that delve into American poet John Matthias' early family memories and broader inquiries into his wife's British lineage. The essays cover a range of topics, including the intersections of poetry with insomnia and murder, as well as reflections on notable literary figures like W.H. Auden and Gabriel García Márquez. Matthias also includes poems that engage with his essays, creating a rich dialogue. His approachable prose invites a general audience to appreciate this critical exploration.

Exploring the theme of acoustic shadows, this collection intertwines historical and personal narratives, reflecting on the lives of various figures, including the poet's family in 1950s Ohio. It features autobiographical poems, an essay on imaginative clarity, and two sequences that connect the American Midwest to J.H. Prynne's Cambridge and the Ohio Supreme Court opinions of Matthias's ancestors. The title poem ties together the poet's Great-Grandfather's memories, particularly his Civil War experiences alongside the enigmatic Ambrose Bierce, enriching the historical context.

The book features a collection of personal essays intertwined with literary commentary, reflecting on themes such as poetic apprenticeship and family history. It also delves into the author's novel, Different Kinds of Music, while exploring the concept of "poetry of place." Notable literary figures like Basil Bunting and Tomas Tranströmer are examined, alongside discussions of poetry's intersection with film and opera. Additionally, it critiques the challenges of interpreting religious sentiments in secular texts, offering a rich blend of memoir and literary analysis.

This volume showcases a diverse range of poetic styles and themes, highlighting John Matthias's evolution as a poet. It features his groundbreaking experimental works, politically charged pieces from the 1960s and '70s, and reflections on his time in Suffolk. The collection also includes playful poems, epistolary works, and family-oriented lyrics, such as the notable "Poem for Cynouai." Together with the other volumes, it preserves the essential poetry Matthias aims to share, providing a comprehensive look at his artistic journey.

A selection from John Matthias' previous works, together with a group of poems written since 1980. It includes three epistolary poems. It culminates in the title poem, a personal and historical meditation set in Scotland.