Blessed as We Were: Late Selected and New Poems, 2000-2018

Gerald Stern is a renowned American poet in his nineties, known for his expansive, deep-down poetry that blends philosophical intellect with boisterous wit. His seven collections, spanning almost two decades, explore casual miracles, relationships, the natural world, ageing, and the sensual joys of life. The volume concludes with over two dozen new poems that combine the metaphysical with the domestic. Stern's characteristic exuberant voice reminds us why he is one of the great American poets.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 21 July 2023
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

For over five decades, Gerald Stern has been crafting his unique brand of expansive and profound American poetry. Now in his nineties, this "sometimes comic, sometimes tragic visionary" (Edward Hirsch) delves into a lifetime of memories in his poetic works, seamlessly blending philosophical depth with infectious wit.

Memory serves as a unifying thread throughout the poems collected in Blessed as We Were, spanning seven collections written over nearly two decades. Stern delves into the realm of casual miracles, explores the complexities of human relationships, and takes a keen interest in the natural world. In Last Blue (2000), he offers a satirical and redemptive perspective, while Everything Is Burning (2005) and Save the Last Dance (2008) showcase his sharp wit and social commentary. In In Beauty Bright (2012), he meditates on the transformative journey of aging, and in Galaxy Love (2017), he captures the nostalgic essence of love, even if it exists in the distant past.

The volume concludes with over two dozen new poems that seamlessly blend the metaphysical with the domestic, encompassing themes such as the passage of time, the cost of love, and the profound banality of cardboard. Stern's characteristic exuberant and oratory voice animates every line, reminding us of his status as one of the great American poets. He has long emphasized that the best way to live is not solely through poetry but through the profound impact and transformative power of poetry itself.

Through his unwavering dedication to his craft, Gerald Stern has left an indelible mark on the literary world, inspiring generations of readers with his profound insights and infectious wit. His poetry continues to resonate, reminding us of the beauty and complexity of life and the enduring power of words to capture and convey our deepest emotions and experiences.

Weight: 234g
Dimension: 211 x 140 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324064510