The running theme in Michael McClure's Simple Eyes & Other Poems is: looking at the world directly. The results are often as disquieting as they are illuminating, whether he directs his unblinking gaze on the American cityscape, the landscapes of Mexico and Kenya, or the mind's own terrain. In the long title poem, "Simple Eyes (Fields), " the stanzas on the Persian Gulf War bloom out of images of all wars the poet has known - "the spiritual wars, the napalm and cordite and nuclear wars, and the war against nature" - and become a kind of spiritual autobiography. At the heart of the poetry is McClure's return to the ancient concept of agnosia, the idea of knowing through unknowing, as a way of living in desperate times, in which deep human or humane feelings have almost become outlaw. Simple Eyes is an outspoken poet's statement, unsentimental, yet with mind and eye quickened by love.

About the Author:

Michael McClure, a founding member of the Beat Generation, has long been noted for the popularity of his dynamic poetry performances. At twenty-two he gave his first poetry reading at the legendary Six Gallery event in San Francisco, where Allen Ginsberg first read Howl. He is the co-author of the song "Mercedes Benz" and often performs with musicians, notably Ray Manzarek and Terry Riley.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Independent Bookstores since 1971.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Powell's Bookstores Chicago, ABAA
1501 E. 57th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, U.S.A.

Terms of Sale:

All items subject to prior sale. No questions asked refunds within 60 days. For shipping rates, click "Shipping: Rates & Speed" above. Powells Bookstore Inc., 3429 W. 47th Street, Chicago, IL 60632; catorders@powellschicago.com; 773-376- 8106. VAT: N/A.

Shipping Terms:

Orders ship within 2 business days. Domestic standard orders shipped via
USPS Bound Printed Matter; Domestic Expedited orders shipped via FedEx or UPS
Ground. All International orders shipped via courier, typically arriving
within 7-21 business days. Expedited and Standard International rates are the
same.

Payment Methods
accepted by seller

Add to Wants

Items related to Simple Eyes & Other Poems

Simple Eyes & Other Poems

Michael McClure

Used - Soft cover

Seller's business information