Collected Poems

Bernhard's Collected Poems is a key to understanding his irascible black comedy found in all of his writings, including his last will and testament. He began his career as a poet in the early 1950s and published four volumes of verse, with his early poetry influenced by Georg Trakl. His poems became increasingly obsessive and filled with self-pity, counterpointed by a defamatory voice estranged from his country, resulting in a magisterial work of anti-poetry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 516 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2022
Publisher: Seagull Books London Ltd

Bernhard's Collected Poems is a vital key to unlocking the enigmatic and irascible black comedy that permeates virtually all of his writings, even extending to his final will and testament.

Renowned Austrian writer Thomas Bernhard (1931-89) embarked on his literary journey in the early 1950s, initially as a poet. Over the ensuing decade, Bernhard poured his heart and soul into crafting thousands of poems, culminating in the publication of four volumes of profoundly introspective and increasingly personal verse. Titles such as On Earth and in Hell, In Hora Mortis, and Under the Iron of the Moon exemplify the depth and complexity of his poetic expression.

Bernhard's early poetry, infused with the influence of Georg Trakl, bore a deep connection to his Austrian homeland. As his poems gained recognition and publication, there was a sense that Bernhard was on the cusp of joining the ranks of other young post-war poets writing in German, such as Ingeborg Bachmann, Paul Celan, and others. However, as his poetic journey progressed, his poems became increasingly obsessive, characterized by a swirling mix of undulant self-pity and a defamatory, bardic voice that felt utterly estranged from his country. This dichotomy resulted in a masterful work of anti-poetry, a testament to Bernhard's own harrowing experience with the theme of success and failure, which infuses his fiction with a delightful and captivating quality.

For fans of Bernhard, there is an abundance of treasures to be discovered within these pages. The Collected Poems offers a comprehensive exploration of his poetic evolution, showcasing the range of emotions and themes that shaped his artistic vision. From the introspective and reflective to the darkly comedic and satirical, Bernhard's poetry captures the essence of human experience with a raw and unflinching honesty.

In conclusion, Bernhard's Collected Poems serves as a profound testament to the enduring legacy of this remarkable writer. By delving into the depths of his poetic expression, readers are granted a unique insight into the mind of a master storyteller, whose words continue to resonate and inspire generations to come.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 128 x 203 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803090504