Customer Reviews

Splendor (American Poets Continuum)

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Splendor is a very fine collection by contemporary poet Steve Kronen. Kronen's earlier collection, Empirical Evidence, now out of print I believe, was the work of a younger man; the poetic skills and command of language were much in evidence, but as good as it was, Splendor is better still. His refined and concise choice of words make manifest a poet who has attained maturity without angst or regret. The poems possess a contemplative passion and clarity of sight that, for me, exemplify the poetic (and artistic) impulse to communicate. Kronen's success in this book derives from his revealing of the personal without succumbing to the confessional.

I cannot honestly claim to recognize metered and formal elements; I can, however, recognize craft: words that fit well and allusions hidden and yet clear. Steve has produced a very satisfying piece of work. He is a careful wordsmith. And Splendor is his very enjoyable product.