Late Modernism and the Poetics of Place

This monograph examines the literary history and geography of Anglophone modernism, arguing that the period 1945-1975 is a significant phase of experiment and achievement in late modernist poetry. It highlights the multi-layered poetics of place in the work of poets such as Gwendolyn Brooks, Basil Bunting, W.S. Graham, David Jones, Lorine Niedecker, and Charles Olson, due to their engagement with contemporary developments in human and physical geography and the cultural significance of regional and non-metropolitan places.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2024
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. While recent studies of late modernism often categorize it as a phenomenon that emerged during the interwar or mid-century period, 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 many late modernist poets during this time is their multi-layered poetics of place. In part, he suggests, this is due 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 texts.

The book explores the ways in which late modernist poets utilize various literary techniques, such as spatial imagery, metaphor, and symbolism, to convey the complexities of place and its impact on the human experience. It examines the ways in which these poets challenge traditional notions of place and identity, and explore new ways of representing the world and its inhabitants.

One of the key themes of the book is the idea of the "non-place," which refers to the sense of dislocation and alienation that individuals experience in modern societies. The book argues that late modernist poets use the non-place as a metaphor for the postmodern condition, in which individuals are constantly navigating a fragmented and uncertain world. Through their poetry, these poets attempt to create a sense of connection and belonging in the face of social and cultural disintegration.

Another important theme of the book is the idea of the "other," which refers to the marginalized and oppressed individuals and communities who are often excluded from mainstream society. The book argues that late modernist poets use the other as a means of challenging dominant narratives and promoting social justice and equality. Through their poetry, these poets seek to highlight the experiences and struggles of those who are often overlooked and ignored.

The book also explores the relationship between place and language, arguing that the spatial and geographical dimensions of place are essential to the meaning and interpretation of poetry. The author contends that late modernist poets use language to create a sense of place that is both real and imagined, and that this sense of place is essential to the understanding of the human experience.

In conclusion, this monograph offers a groundbreaking reappraisal of both the literary history and literary geography of Anglophone modernism, with a particular focus on poetry from both sides of the Atlantic. Through its comprehensive analysis of the multi-layered poetics of place, the book demonstrates the significance of late modernist poetry in shaping our understanding of the world and its inhabitants. It provides a valuable contribution to the field of literary studies and offers insights into the complex and dynamic relationship between literature, place, and identity.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474484411