Razzle Dazzle: New and Selected Poems 2002-2022

Major Jackson is a prominent voice in contemporary literature, known for his visionary poems that celebrate language and explore the human experience. His collection "Razzle Dazzle" spans five acclaimed volumes, showcasing his evolution as a poet. These poems address social and political issues, expressing hope, renewal, justice, and accountability. Jackson's work is characterized by a global and personal sensibility, driven by his belief in the power of art and language to shape our lives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2023
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

A preeminent figure in contemporary literature, Major Jackson emerges as a visionary poet who revels in the celebration of language and the manifestation of breathtaking visions. Through his five acclaimed volumes, Razzle Dazzle, we embark on a captivating journey that traces the evolution of Jacksons transformative imagination and the fierce music that resonates within his words.

Leaving Saturn, Jackson's debut collection, earned him the prestigious Cave Canem Poetry Prize in 2002. Within these pages, he captures the resilient spirit of the Philadelphia neighborhoods that shaped his youth, resonating with readers through vivid imagery and poignant narratives.

Hoops, his subsequent work, released in 2006, takes us on a transcendent journey through the solemn marvels of ordinary lives. Jackson's poetic prowess shines as he weaves together moments of introspection and awe, offering a profound appreciation for the beauty found in the everyday.

Holding Company, published in 2010, marks a departure from narrative poetry, delving into the captivating allure of art, literature, and music. Jackson explores the interplay between these artistic mediums, inviting us to immerse ourselves in their seductive power.

Roll Deep, his 2015 collection, delves into the complexities of human intimacy, war, and the pursuit of aesthetic travel. With his signature lyricism, Jackson invites us to reflect on the human experience and the profound connections that unite us.

The Absurd Man, his most recent offering, published in 2020, showcases Jacksons vulnerability and philosophical depth. Opening with over three dozen new poems that burst into full-throated song in the face of indignity, the volume invites us into a passionate exploration of the world.

Together, these two decades of writing paint a sustained portrait of a poet "bound up in the ecstatic," whose buoyant lyricism confronts the social and political forces that seek to demean humanity. Jackson possesses a sensibility that is both global and personal, driven by an unwavering conviction in the transformative power of art and language to enrich our lives with meaning.

Whether he is addressing racial conflict and the ongoing struggle for human dignity in America, bearing witness to the plight of refugees, or grieving the contradictory nature of humankind, Jackson's poems proclaim the remarkable power of renewal, justice, and accountability.

Through his masterful craftsmanship, Major Jackson invites us to embark on a journey of introspection, celebration, and empathy. His words resonate with readers, offering solace, inspiration, and a renewed sense of hope for a better world. Razzle Dazzle serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of this remarkable poet, whose visionary poetry continues to shape our understanding of the human experience.

Weight: 543g
Dimension: 244 x 165 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324064909