Short History of Monsters: Poems

A Short History of Monsters is a full-length collection of poetry by Jose Padua that explores the sins and obsessions of a poet influenced by beat and slam traditions. It ranges from recollections of lost days to unadorned expressions of hope, redefining the speaker's relationship to pop culture and celebrating its absurdity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 60 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2019
Publisher: University of Arkansas Press

A Short History of Monsters, inspired by the spirit of New York City in past decades, delves into the sins and obsessions of a poet skilled in beat and slam traditions. In his debut full-length collection, Jose Padua explores the complexities of an American dream interrupted by failure, excess, and other nightmares. With a brash and unruly style, these poems range from nostalgic recollections of lost days to raw expressions of hope. Throughout, the speaker challenges and redefines his relationship with pop culture, praising it, critiquing it, and mourning it in turn.

The poems in A Short History of Monsters exhibit a blend of dark humor and epiphany, delving deep into their own despair and emerging with existential absurdity. This poetry refuses to shy away from the harsh realities of the world, creating a space where the experience of being alive is celebrated as miraculous in its own right. It digs into the grit and grime, revealing a profound appreciation for the complexities and contradictions of human existence.

Through its vivid imagery and powerful language, A Short History of Monsters invites readers to explore the darker corners of the human psyche and discover the resilience of the human spirit. It serves as a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience and offer a glimpse into the depths of our shared humanity.

Weight: 146g
Dimension: 140 x 215 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781682260944