Reading the Modernist Long Poem: John Cage, Charles Olson and the Indeterminacy of Longform Poetics

This book explores indeterminacy in modernist long poems through analogies in musicology, mycology, cybernetics, and philosophy, highlighting the contributions of John Cage and Charles Olson to the long poem tradition. It argues that their work revolutionized the longform poetry of the 20th and 21st centuries by developing, critiquing, and innovating on the poetics of the past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

This book delves into the enigmatic and intricate realm of modernist long poetry, exploring its core concept of indeterminacy through analogies drawn from musicology, mycology, cybernetics, and philosophy. By examining the works of influential poets John Cage and Charles Olson, it investigates the nature of indeterminacy and its impact on the long poem form. The book addresses various aspects of these works, such as listing, typography, archives, mediation, and mereology, highlighting how both poets departed from the traditional longform poetic traditions of the early 1900s.

Brendan C. Gillott makes a compelling case for the centrality of Cage and Olson in shaping the longform poetics of the 20th and 21st centuries. Through their development, critique, and innovation of the longform poetic tradition, they revolutionized the genre and left an indelible mark on contemporary poetry.

The book's exploration of indeterminacy is facilitated by the use of analogies from diverse fields, allowing readers to gain new perspectives on the long poem's complex and multifaceted nature. By examining the works of Cage and Olson alongside other interdisciplinary sources, readers are invited to engage with the long poem as a dynamic and evolving form that challenges traditional notions of literary structure and meaning.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of modernist long poetry, providing valuable insights into the core concept of indeterminacy and its profound impact on the literary landscape. Through its interdisciplinary approach, it encourages readers to approach the long poem with fresh eyes and a renewed appreciation for its artistic and philosophical potential.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501371899