Backsass: Poems - Softcover

Fred Chappell (Author)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0807129445 ISBN 13: 9780807129449

Publisher: LSU Press, 2004

Synopsis

This collection of humorous and satiric verse takes its title from that thoroughly southern term meaning "irreverent retort," "ironic remark," or "scoffing observation." The ancient Roman poet Juvenal noted that his world made it hard not to write satire. Fred Chappell, finding his contemporary era analogous to that of imperial Rome, has in Backsass given in to the impulse for invective and mockery. Whether addressing the political, the poetical, or the practical, Chappell brandishes his lexical sword, ribbing our shortcomings, offering tonic advice, and occasionally shedding a tear for our fallen ideals. Some poetry is fine wine. Backsass is the driest of martinis.

About this title

Review:

"This is the power of Fred Chappell, he makes us laugh at ourselves. . . . In an age when the value of humor seems to be rapidly diminishing, Chappell reminds us to take a moment to laugh: he reminds us what it truly means to be human."

Synopsis:

This collection of humorous and satiric verse takes its title from that thoroughly southern term meaning "irreverent retort," "ironic remark," or "scoffing observation." The ancient Roman poet Juvenal noted that his world made it hard not to write satire. Fred Chappell, finding his contemporary era analogous to that of imperial Rome, has in Backsass given in to the impulse for invective and mockery. The aim of satirists is to improve the moral tenor of society, and they approach this goal by first causing us to laugh at ourselves. Brandishing his lexical sword, Chappell ribs our shortcomings, offers tonic advice, and occasionally sheds a tear for our fallen ideals. Some poetry is fine wine. Backsass is the driest of martinis.

About this edition

• Publisher: LSU Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0807129445
• ISBN 13: 9780807129449
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 250