From Library Journal
Berg (editor of American Poetry Review?and author of New & Selected Poems, Copper Canyon, 1992) here compiles "versions" of poems ranging from ancient Nahuatl religious songs to Aztec songs, from works by Octavio Paz to those of Innokently Annesky. Although they are based on the English translations of scholars, these so-called versions are generally not straightforward renderings but "remake[s] of the texts" that, unfortunately, prove to be esoteric and abstruse. In addition, something seems to be missing: perhaps it is the distinct voice of an identifiable poet. Even though Berg credits the source of each poem, readers will find themselves asking, "Who is the creator of these verses? Who crafted these lines?" The ideas of each poem are refined and reshaped by Berg, but they are neither Berg's nor those of the poets on whose works they are based. Not recommended.?Tim Gavin, Episcopal Academy, Merion, Pa.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
A collection of "versions" of some of the world's great, untranslated literature by an important American poet.
