We Meet (Paperback)

by Kenneth Patchen (Author), Devendra Banhart (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Meet Kenneth Patchen, a prolific, ground-breaking proletarian poet/painter whose most eclectic and wildly eccentric works are re-launched in a single startling volume—We Meet.

The singular work of Kenneth Patchen has influenced poets, artists and political activists for decades. New Directions is proud to launch a Patchen revival beginning with omnibus editions of his unique compositions.

We Meet highlights Patchen's more outlandish side and includes, like fabrics stitched into a crazy quilt, Because It Is, A Letter to God, Poemscapes, Hurrah For Anything, and Aflame & Afun of Walking Faces. "Because to understand one must begin somewhere," opens Patchen's fabulous book of poems Because It Is: perhaps the most ideal reason for such a melting pot of poetry. Open any page at random and find Patchen protesting the Second World War (A Letter to God), or telling the tale of how hot water first came to be tracked onto bedroom floors (Aflame and Afun of Walking Faces), or informing the reader what happened when the nervous vine wouldn't twine (Because It Is), or why he loathes those who act as if a cherry were something they personally thought up (Hurrah For Anything), or answering what he wants out of life: "let's say—no matter" (Poemscapes).

About the Author
Kenneth Patchen (1911-1972) was one of the most prolific American poets of his time. He was born in Niles, Ohio. He attended school at the University of Madison-Wisconsin where he met his wife, Miriam Oikemus. They moved to Greenwich Village and befriended many writers including E.E. Cummings, Anais Nïn, and Henry Miller. An accident occurred after his first publication that would eventually leave him an invalid. He and his wife later moved to San Francisco during the early years of the Beat Movement. Many Beat poets would cite Patchen as a major influence. His "experimental protests" in poetry, painting, and prose remain unprecedented. Aside from his many books of poetry, his acclaimed novels, and his concrete visual works, Kenneth Patchen also collaborated with John Cage for the radio-play The City Wears a Slouch Hat, and worked with Charles Mingus developing jazz poetry. Patchen was an unwavering pacifist and many of his works have a political bent. Patchen was the first recipient of an NEA Literary Grant in 1967.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: New Directions (July 27, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811217582
• ISBN-13: 978-0811217583
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #658,929 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not his most important work., March 27, 2009

By	Matthew F. Louv - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a new book, and it's great to see at least some kind of marginal renewed interest in Patchen's work. But the pieces included are mostly fantastical and farcical. They are, of course, wonderful, because Patchen is one of the best and most tragically overlooked figures in American letters, but for someone unfamiliar with him, I would definitely suggest reading his war poetry first. It is dark and angry and more powerful than just about anything else you could put on a page.

5.0 out of 5 stars Poetic Patchen, March 7, 2009

By	Frederick L. Marfell - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Fast service, high quality book. Great find, including some books I'd not yet read, plus several I'd read and enjoyed. A must see for Patchen fans !