Late Modernism and the Poetics of Place

This book argues that the period 1945-1975 marks a major phase of experiment and achievement in late modernist poetry, due to the engagement of individual writers with contemporary developments in human and physical geography and the tendency to foreground the cultural significance of regional and non-metropolitan places.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This monograph presents a comprehensive reevaluation of both the literary history and literary geography of Anglophone modernism, with a particular emphasis on poetry from both sides of the Atlantic. In contrast to recent studies that view late modernism as a predominantly inter-war or mid-century phenomenon, this book argues that the period from 1945 to 1975 represents a significant phase of experimentation and achievement in late modernist poetry. The author contends that what sets apart the work of numerous late modernist poets during this time is their multi-layered poetics of place. This is, in part, attributed to the individual writers' engagement with contemporary developments in human and physical geography. Furthermore, it is evident in the tendency of late modernist poets to highlight the cultural significance of regional and non-metropolitan places in their writings.

The book delves into the rich tapestry of late modernist poetry, exploring the ways in which poets from different parts of the world responded to the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world. It examines the ways in which poets used language and form to capture the essence of place, whether it be urban landscapes, rural environments, or the natural world. Through close readings of selected poems, the author demonstrates how late modernist poets exploited the spatial dimensions of their work to convey complex ideas and emotions.

One of the key themes of the book is the idea of place as a catalyst for artistic expression. The author argues that the specific geographical context in which a poet writes can have a profound impact on their work, shaping their perspective and influencing their artistic choices. For example, poets who grew up in urban environments may be more inclined to explore the complexities of city life, while those who lived in rural areas may be more focused on the natural world and its rhythms.

Another important aspect of the book is the exploration of the relationship between place and identity. The author argues that the sense of place can be a powerful tool for constructing and expressing one's identity, particularly in a globalized world where cultural boundaries are increasingly blurred. By foregrounding the cultural significance of regional and non-metropolitan places, late modernist poets were able to challenge traditional notions of national and cultural identity and create new forms of belonging.

The book also examines the role of technology in shaping the literary landscape of late modernism. The emergence of new forms of communication, such as the telephone and the internet, allowed poets to connect with readers and other writers across vast distances, breaking down traditional barriers to artistic expression. However, the author argues that the use of technology in poetry can also be problematic, as it can lead to a loss of intimacy and a superficiality of language.

In conclusion, this monograph offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the literary history and literary geography of Anglophone modernism. By focusing on poetry from both sides of the Atlantic, the book demonstrates the ways in which late modernist poets used language and form to capture the essence of place and explore the complex relationship between place and identity. It is a valuable contribution to the field of literary studies and will be of interest to scholars and students of modernism, geography, and cultural studies.

Weight: 564g
Dimension: 161 x 242 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474484404