Customer Reviews

The Seventh Octave - The Early Writings of Saul Stacy Williams

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Just because you liked the movie "Slam" or enjoy open mics, don't go to this book thinking you'll get the same high. Most poetry that sings on the stage doesn't always do so on the page, but "Seventh" does so more than others. It's a far more accessible collection than Williams' "She", but again: you'd better like poetry on the page before you jump into this.

In fourth grade, I played a bit part in "The King and I" at my local high school in Newburgh, NY. I have some quirky memories about the play -- the costumes, the makeup, the sarcastic director who later became my 9th-grade English teacher -- but above all I remember the high-school senior who stole the show. It was obvious that the 18-year-old who played the king, Saul Stacey Williams, had a career as a performer ahead of him.

Many of the poems in this book were written back then, while Stacey was in high school, and I had the pleasure of hearing them live in his many local performances. Almost a decade later, he is finally getting the recognition he deserves -- with two books and an award-winning movie, "Slam." It's great to know that more people can be exposed to the poetic genius who used to be Newburgh's best-kept local secret...This book is just a small taste of his talent.

to justify Saul's lyrical mastery. This book is to be studied and savored like Mama's sweet potato pie with whipped cream. Buy this, read this then buy "She" to see the evolution of a poet. peace

This is an example of poetry in its purest, untampered state. If you have ever wanted to read good poetry, this is the book to read.

i Had the plesure of performing alongside saul in Texas and i knew i had to have "Seventh" as i had already read "she". believe me when i say this man is before his time. the words are woven together masterfully, this book is a must have for anyone who ever thought that they were or ever wanted to call themselves a poet, this book captures the essance of spoken word within it's pages. PICK IT UP!

One of the best poetry collections i've read. This is the second book of Sauls i've read and it is much better than she which is a mtv publication. Sorry but mtv ruins all just look at hip hop now. Anyway Saul gives you some thought provoking material. all you have to do is go to the library and look up the Dogon tribe and see how well read this man is. That aspect of him is reflected in his words. Check him out let him open eyes. If you get any bad reviews about this guy believe me they are based on pure ignorance.

I shy away from hiphop that doesn't do its homework. Maybe the gods are getting even, because this one is sending *me* back to the stacks. Saul stands out with Sekou Sundiata as the rarest of the rare: the poets who are not only strong and entertaining, but have a near-magical sense of history and their place in it. Also, I was very pleased to see that either Williams or Moore (his publisher) had the insight to use graphic layout and design techniques to add visual interest to the page--something I've only seen in a handful of poetry books: Saul's, Edwin Torres', and my own (no relation). Having seen some of the pieces contained in The 7th Octave performed live, the book is no substitute for the aural experience, but it's well worth double the asking price to have this stuff in print the next time you're at the library--Saul's references can leave you dusted... "Now, let's see ... luna ... lunar...Ah-ha: lunatic."

I first saw Williams on [television] in a documentary called "Slamnation" and from that point on I was hooked. I immediately rushed to find out as much as I could about this literary God send. His poetry makes you want more, not just from him but from yourself. It truly inspires me, it gives me energy and a drive to just face the world head on. The book may be thin in size but it is packed full with an awesome power that will quake your spirit. If you are wondering what your next read will be then this is it!!!!! Over and over again.

Quite simply this is my favorite book of poetry, this is a must own for any real slam poetry fan

This is the best poetry collection I have ever read! The poems are vivid, rich in language, and in creativity. I never wanted the book to end. I found the poems to be very entertaining, abstract and profound. This poet is definitely a metaphoric genius.