Lyric Poetry and Space Exploration from Einstein to the Present

Poetry and astronomy have a long history of connection, from Milton's meeting with Galileo to NASA's practice of launching poems into space. Lyric Poetry and Space Exploration from Einstein to the Present explores the surprising connection between poetry and extra-terrestrial space, highlighting how poets bring the small scales of lyric intimacy to bear on cosmic immensity. During the Cold War, American institutions and media enlisted poetry to present space exploration as a peaceful mission, while poets from across the globe.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Poetry and astronomy have a rich and intertwined relationship in the political realm,spanning from historical encounters like Milton's meeting with Galileo under house arrest to contemporary practices like NASA's launch of poems into space. This captivating connection is explored in Lyric Poetry and Space Exploration from Einstein to the Present,a book rooted in the post-war period but drawing on a long history of poetry and science. In a world marked by globalization, environmental crises, and space exploration, poets harness the power of lyric intimacy to grapple with the vastness of the cosmos. While outer space may be associated with more popular genres, lyric poetry has a profound and enduring association with cosmic inquiry, making it a central component of post-war space culture.

During the Cold War, American institutions and media, including NASA and Star Trek, enlisted poetry to portray space exploration as a peaceful endeavor on behalf of humanity. Poets from various parts of the world responded to this by using the cosmos as a platform to challenge American imperialism and challenge conventional notions about lyric poetry. Notable poets such as Elizabeth Bishop, Adrienne Rich, Seamus Heaney, Derek Walcott, Agha Shahid Ali, and Tracy K. Smith utilize astronomical figures and methods to explore the relationship between national histories and their craft. They engage with the aesthetics of astronomy while being mindful of its potential for imperialism, seeking to imagine ways in which we can care for ourselves and others on a shared planet.

This exploration of the intersection of poetry and astronomy highlights the enduring power of artistic expression to transcend boundaries and engage with the most profound questions of our time. It reminds us that poetry has the capacity to inspire, challenge, and transform our understanding of the world, and that the cosmos continues to inspire and inform our artistic endeavors. As we continue to explore the mysteries of space and seek to navigate the complexities of our globalized world, the work of poets and astronomers will play an important role in shaping our collective imagination and understanding.

Weight: 508g
Dimension: 240 x 165 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192867452