Collected Poems: New Edition (Poetry) [Paperback]

Primo Levi (Author), Ruth Feldman (Translator), Brian Swann (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 25, 1992 | Series: Poetry

In 1944 Primo Levi was sent to Buna-Monowitz, a subsidiary of Auschwitz. His prose accounts of this time are now internationally regarded as classics. Yet for many of his readers, this will be the first opportunity to encounter Levi's poetic treatment of these appalling events and their painful psychological aftermath. His two books of poetry, "Shema" and "Ad Ora Incerta", are collected in this book.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Levi, who died in 1987, is best known for his autobiographical accounts of the Holocaust, among which are The Periodic Table ( LJ 1/85), Survival in Auschwitz (Macmillan, 1961; Summit Bks., 1986. reprint), and most recently The Drowned and the Saved ( LJ 11/15/87). He was a poet as well, as this collection dramatically attests. Written both during the war and after, the poems, whether they consider the natural world of stars, glaciers, or snails; the everyday life of Mondays, chess, and bridges; or more metaphysical concerns, are infused with the vision and ineluctable memory of the horrors that he and so many others experienced: "A poet strains his bow, searching for a word/That can contain the typhoon's force/The secrets of blood and seed." His spare, finely tuned lines are beautifully translated. Highly recommended.
- Marcia G. Fuchs, Guilford Free Lib., Ct.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes

Text: English, Italian (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Faber & Faber (March 25, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0571165397
• ISBN-13: 978-0571165391
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 4.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #799,890 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Depressing but compelling, August 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Collected Poems: New Edition (Poetry) (Paperback)

The book comprises the former editions 'Shema' and 'At an Uncertain Hour' as well as eighteen previously uncollected poems. The poems combine a sometimes distanced stance with a very intimate and poignant emotion. Levi manages to capture a sense of the futility of life in the face of evil; the fact that he survived the Holocaust when so many others did not haunts him throughout the collection. 'Unfinished Business', written a few years before his sudden death, describes a man preparing his boss for a note of resignation. He leaves unfinished business - a kiss, a neglected client, an unwritten book that would alleviate all fear and doubts. The innumerable duties and joys of life that can never be completed because this is a man encompassed by the guilt of survival. 'Monday'(1946)moves from the image of a train with only one route and one direction, to the horse whose vision is blocked by shafts on wither side, to the man who lives in solitude, believing time has run its course. The stanzas are short and bleak. But there is profound depth to the brevity. I haven't read them all - I only bought the book today and read it on the train home, but so far, it looks like an important volume and I recommend it.

4.0 out of 5 stars Depressing but compelling, August 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Collected Poems: New Edition (Poetry) (Paperback)

The book comprises the former editions 'Shema' and 'At an Uncertain Hour' as well as eighteen previously uncollected poems. The poems combine a sometimes distanced stance with a very intimate and poignant emotion. Levi manages to capture a sense of the futility of life in the face of evil; the fact that he survived the Holocaust when so many others did not haunts him throughout the collection. 'Unfinished Business', written a few years before his sudden death, describes a man preparing his boss for a note of resignation. He leaves unfinished business - a kiss, a neglected client, an unwritten book that would alleviate all fear and doubts. The innumerable duties and joys of life that can never be completed because this is a man encompassed by the guilt of survival. 'Monday'(1946)moves from the image of a train with only one route and one direction, to the horse whose vision is blocked by shafts on wither side, to the man who lives in solitude, believing time has run its course. The stanzas are short and bleak. But there is profound depth to the brevity. I haven't read them all - I only bought the book today and read it on the train home, but so far, it looks like an important volume and I recommend it.