Book of Baruch by the Gnostic Justin

Geoffrey Hill's final work, The Book of Baruch, is a sequence of over 270 poems that explore the nature of poetry, the relation between art and spirituality, and autobiographical themes such as his childhood, the bombing of London, his late trip to Germany, Brexit, and his sense of decline and death close at hand. The poem is written in long lines of variable length, with much off-rhyme and internal rhyme, and has a looser metrical plan than Hill's previous works. Thematically, the work is a summa of a lifetime's meditation on the nature of poetry, making a passionate claim for the enduring strangeness of poetry in the midst of its evident helplessness.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 17 April 2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Geoffrey Hill, a renowned poet, left behind a remarkable testament in his final work, The Book of Baruch. This collection of over 270 poems, written in long lines of varying length, showcases a distinct departure from his earlier works, such as the Daybooks of Broken Hierarchies (2013). In the latter, Hill delved into intricate poetic structures, including Sapphic meter, figure poems, and fixed rhyming strophes. However, in The Book of Baruch, he embraced a looser metrical plan, allowing for a vast range of tones and voices to emerge.

Thematically, this work serves as a culmination of Hill's lifetime exploration of poetry. It is a passionate assertion of poetry's enduring strangeness, even in the face of its apparent helplessness. The poem employs a riot of similes to convey this notion, highlighting the poetic art's ability to transcend ordinary reality. Another central theme is the relationship between art and spirituality, which is explored through references to gnosticism, alchemy, heterodox theological speculation, and the formal logics of mathematics, music, and philosophy.

Hill's poem makes subtle yet profound references to these subjects, employing them as symbols for our limited understanding of time, fate, and eternity. Additionally, the work incorporates autobiographical elements, including Hill's childhood, the bombing of London, his late trip to Germany, his concerns about Brexit, and his sense of decline and impending death. These personal reflections add depth and resonance to the poem, making it a deeply personal and introspective exploration of the human condition.

What sets The Book of Baruch apart is its accessibility and inclusivity. It is a great work that welcomes all comers, regardless of their background or familiarity with poetry. Hill's poetic language is accessible and evocative, making it possible for readers to engage with the poem on a profound level. His use of imagery and metaphor creates a vivid sense of place and emotion, allowing readers to connect with the poet's experiences and emotions.

In conclusion, Geoffrey Hill's The Book of Baruch is a remarkable testament to his poetic prowess. Through its loose metrical structure, diverse themes, and personal reflections, the poem offers a unique and captivating exploration of the nature of poetry and the human experience. It is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and connect with people on a profound level. Whether one is a seasoned poetry enthusiast or a newcomer to the art form, The Book of Baruch is a work that deserves to be celebrated and cherished.

Weight: 442g
Dimension: 237 x 173 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198829522