ARC OF LOVE: An Anthology of Lesbian Love Poems [Hardcover]

Clare Coss (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This predominantly contemporary collection, although beginning and ending with poems by Sappho, includes the work of such expected writers as Adrienne Rich, Audre Lorde, Robin Morgan, Marilyn Hacker, Olga Broumas and Muriel Rukeyser. Less familiar standouts are Margaret Randall, Melanie Hope and Joan Larkin, who recalls her father spanking her as a child: "his hands, his strong/ voice telling me I was loved" ("Beatings"). Less laudable is the editor's contribution. Coss, a psychotherapist, neatly quarters material into sections that follow the letters of the word love (light, order, vexation, and endurance/evolution/ecstasy). Coupled with simplistic introductions to each section, her "arc" resembles a 12-step program in which weaker poems are included because their sentiments fit the pattern. Many of the 87 contributors, however, surpass such utility.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

A wide-ranging collection of lesbian love poetry is divided into four sections under the headings ""Light,"" ""Order,"" ""Vexation,"" and ""Endurance,"" and includes contributions by Sappho, Audre Lorde. 15,000 first printing.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Scribner; First Edition. 1 in number line edition (January 22, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684814463
• ISBN-13: 978-0684814469
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #722,400 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

  #98 in	Books > Reference > Writing > Poetry
  #43 in	Books > Literature & Fiction > History & Criticism > Criticism & Theory > Sexuality in Literature

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars connects the hearts of women across the world, April 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: ARC OF LOVE: An Anthology of Lesbian Love Poems (Hardcover)

This book runs the gamet of female emotions and tells us words we've all familiar with. For me, this book was very familiar. I was left nodding in agreement after quite a few poems. There are quite a few excellent poems but they are sadly balanced by a few un-poetic attempts to run words together in a seemingly poetic way.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Provacative, erotic, thoughtful poetry., October 25, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: ARC OF LOVE: An Anthology of Lesbian Love Poems (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book. The poems range from spiritual to sensual. It is the best kind of present for that most special person.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Love Poems, December 14, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: ARC OF LOVE: An Anthology of Lesbian Love Poems (Hardcover)

There is something about reading that which you can relate to that is inherently beautiful. I found that some of these poems were really beautiful and quite well done. However, I was slightly disappointed that more weren't so. Some of them seemed rushed without thought or edit. Although you may not agree...the only way to judge is to read the book yourself. There isn't any harm in it. We lesbians should read and support all lesbian writing.