Almanac of Useless Talents

Michael Changs Almanac of Useless Talents is a must-read for poetry lovers and newbies alike, combining confessional, experimental, and original styles with intricate formal craft and bitchy wordplay. It explores desires, identity, relationships, Aznness, queerdom, and more in an edgy, surprising, and delightful way.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2022
Publisher: Clash Books

Fence is proud to present the debut collection of poetry from Michael Chang, Almanac of Useless Talents. This captivating book is a must-read for poetry enthusiasts and newcomers alike, offering a unique and captivating perspective on the art form.

Chang's Almanac is a useless collection, devoid of seasonal data and instead focusing on poems that are suitable for leaving a club in haute couture with mid-level poets. These poems delve into ambiguous sex, mouthy seductions, and shoulder-turns of cold cock disrespect. Part confessional, part experimental, and entirely original, Chang's poetry is read with equal fervor in classrooms and on phone screens.

What sets Chang apart as a poet is his ability to deftly deform the self into outrageous performances. Each poem in Almanac snaps and twists so fast that it is easy to miss the intricate formal craft and the biting wordplay that characterizes his work. However, for those who take the time to appreciate Chang's playful style, they will be rewarded with a dopamine rush that delves into the throbbing networks of flesh and circuit, identity, relationships, Aznness, queerdom, and more. His poetry evokes the envy of Ashbery and is edgy, surprising, and delightful.

In Chang's world, sentiment is merely décor; he invites readers to face the amusing ever-ache of their desires or to try to outrun them. Almanac of Useless Talents is a testament to Chang's talent and creativity, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who encounters his work.

Dimension: 234 x 190 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781955904216