Complete Poems (Phoenix Poets) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Robert M. Ryley (Editor) "Unto the panoramic skies, To worship them, my dead wide eyes-..." (more)
Key Phrases: angel arms, formal verse, bugles blow, Doctor Barky, Martin Dies, Richard Roe (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Pre-eminent poetry scholar M. L. Rosenthal described Kenneth Fearing as the chief poet of the American Depression. This publication is the first complete volume of Fearing's poetry.

From the Publisher

6 x 9 trim. 2 illus. (1 color). LC 93-86980

Product Details

• Paperback: 356 pages
• Publisher: National Poetry Foundation; 1st edition (July 15, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0943373255
• ISBN-13: 978-0943373256
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,841,579 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truth, be known, be kept forever..., October 22, 2003

By	Jess Wundring (Juneau, AK) - See all my reviews

Generally, I would say that I don't like poetry, but there are exceptions and I totally love this guy's work. He wasn't pining for love, he was angry and frustrated and working off his aggression through pictures made of words. Oh man, the way he puts words together - his poems just whine to be read aloud.

Several eons ago, I discovered Kenneth Fearing's poem "Denouement" while in the throes of high school angst. I kept an eye open for his stuff and, through the next decade, found just one more poem (American Rhapsody #3). Still, I considered even that small accomplishment a triumph. I am so glad his stuff is becoming available (accessible?) again. I've bought some of Fearing's poetry in first editions but this "Complete Poems" book can actually be handled whenever I feel like it (because the pages aren't fragile and browning and I didn't pay way too many $$ for it!). Thank You Robert Ryley!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this book., May 4, 1999

By A Customer

Fearing must be the greatest unknown American poet of this century. He captures the ethos of modern urban life as no one else ever has. His work has a noir sensibility and finds an analogue in the city scenes of Edward Hopper.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get the Disch on Fearing, August 6, 2001

By	Douglas A. Storm (Glen Carbon, IL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It probably won't be said better than Thomas Disch says it in his essay on Fearing collected in his Castle of Indolence (the essay is called "Fearing, and Falling Out of Love"). It is also a meditation on the evanescence of literary fame--books, like bodies will turn to dust.

Check this essay out if you fear taking the plunge on this collection.