Not a Moment Too Soon

Frank Kuppner's new book consists of three long, philosophical, existential sequences, The Liberating Vertigo of a Final Passage of Meaning, Not Quite the Greatest Story Never Told, and Not Quite a False Fresh Start Either. The poems are short and remind us of his first book, A Bad Day for the Sung Dynasty, where short orientalizing forms were first perfected. His subject matter is what lies beyond the window of his rented rooms, and the world is an erotic and philosophical minefield.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2024
Publisher: Carcanet Press Ltd

Frank Kuppner's eleventh book, titled "The Liberating Vertigo of a Final Passage of Meaning," is a captivating collection of three long and philosophical sequences. The first sequence, "Not Quite the Greatest Story Never Told," delves into the concept of what might have been and what actually is, exploring the gap between being and the space of the poem. The poems in this sequence are short, reminiscent of Kuppner's earlier work, "A Bad Day for the Sung Dynasty," where he perfected the art of short orientalizing forms. Through the second sequence, he presents 216 poems, interspersed with moments of self-reflection and contemplation. The weave of these poems is uneven and suggestive, with words filling out unexpectedly, transforming the ubiquitous "Stars" into "Sta[i]rs." Kuppner's subject matter extends beyond the confines of his rented rooms, encompassing the world as an erotic and philosophical minefield. However, he appears too fitful and feverish to fully relish this rich tapestry of experiences, whether it be for what it is, what it might be, or even what it might have been.

Weight: 170g
Dimension: 134 x 215 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800173989