Customer Reviews

Reputations of the Tongue: On Poets and Poetry

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

William Logan is called the "most hated man in poetry" for a reason: because he is not afraid to tell the truth. Where other so-called "experts" are letting their prejudices and friendly connections get in the way of their judgments, Logan is not afraid to say what he truly feels, regardless of how famous (or infamous) the poet is. It's a sadly uncommon trait. I speak for myself (but I believe I can also speak for others) when I say that studying poetry with Mr. Logan has made me a better poet. His criticism is pointed and harsh at times, but I have never been misled by it. One would do well to listen to the voice of reason when it comes to the delicate business of poetry.

An infuriating critic to most, Logan is sharp, honest, and a careful reader of poetry--a rare thing in American Letters today. It isn't surprising that this collection has been nominated for the 1999 National Book Critics Circle Award in Criticism.

I have been a fan of Logan's poetry and criticism for quite some time. I have always profited from reading his criticism, but this collection was better than even I expected. The first essay on Tradition has sentences that are aphoristic without compromising the continuity of the piece. Powerful, intelligent writing. Logan is at the height of his powers in this book.

You can always count on William Logan to cut down good poets and promote hacks, and anyone who has ever forced herself to read his wooden poetry will understand why he cheers the wrong side. If you want a quick taste of how poor his judgment is in REPUTATIONS OF THE TONGUE, just read his viscious little review of Timothy Steele's second volume of poetry, SAPPHICS AGAINST ANGER, a collection finer in toto than any single poem Logan himself has managed to date. After you read this poison pill, take up Steele's volume and judge for yourself.

As for the other essays in this book, they are predictable Logan through and through-illogical, blunt, ungenerous, and deaf. Don't waste your money on his residue.