Meditations in an Emergency

Frank O Hara was a key figure in the New American Poetry movement, alongside Denise Levertov, Allen Ginsberg, Robert Creeley, and Gary Snyder. This collection, originally published in 1957, showcases his belief in the power of instinct in poetry and life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 64 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2022
Publisher: Grove Press / Atlantic Monthly Press

Frank O Hara, a prominent figure in twentieth-century poetry, stands among a cohort of acclaimed writers, including Denise Levertov, Allen Ginsberg, Robert Creeley, and Gary Snyder, who played pivotal roles in shaping what Donald Allen termed the New American Poetry. This vibrant movement, characterized by its sheer vitality, emerged as the dominant force in American poetic tradition.

Born in Baltimore in 1926, O Hara spent his formative years in New England before relocating to New York in 1951. During this period, he served as an associate curator at the Museum of Modern Art, while also contributing to Art News. Tragically, O Hara's life was cut short in 1966 at the age of forty, a loss that fellow poet John Ashbery described as the greatest secret loss to American poetry since the death of John Wheelwright.

This collection, a reissue of a volume originally published by Grove Press in 1957, serves as a testament to the impeccable rhythm that underpins O Hara's unwavering belief in the essence of poetry: to write, and indeed to live, one must simply follow one's nerve. Through his concise and evocative verses, O Hara captured the essence of New York City's vibrant cultural scene, rendering it with a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the human condition.

His poems, often characterized by their wry humor and introspective nature, resonated with readers worldwide, cementing his status as a beloved and influential poet of his time. O Hara's legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary poets, ensuring his place as a significant figure in the rich tapestry of American literary history.

Weight: 196g
Dimension: 205 x 140 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781611856569
Edition number: Main