The Bestiary: or Orpheus' Retinue

Apollinaire's The Bestiary is a collection of 30 short poems celebrating mammals, birds, fish, insects, and the mythical poet Orpheus. It was published in 1911 and was illustrated by Raoul Dufy and set to music by Francis Poulenc. This chapbook is a perfect introduction to Apollinaire's poetry, with an introduction and explanatory notes by the translator.

Format: Other book format
Length: 36 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Arc Publications

The Bestiary, a captivating collection of 30 short poems, emerged in 1911 and marked the debut publication of the renowned poet Apollinaire. Despite their modest appearance, these poems exerted a profound influence on the artistic realm. Renowned artist Raoul Dufy was inspired by the poems to create stunning woodcuts for each of them, with five of these woodcuts reproduced in the chapbook. Additionally, the composer Francis Poulenc set six of these poems to music, further enhancing their allure. The poems in The Bestiary are characterized by their wit, irony, and the presence of surprising imagery. Apollinaire's mastery of the short form poetry is evident in these concise yet profound verses, and Martin Sorrell's masterful rhyming translation ensures that the spirit of the original is perfectly preserved. While many individual poems from The Bestiary have been translated and published, this chapbook stands as one of the rare complete editions, accompanied by an introduction and explanatory notes provided by the translator. It serves as an ideal entry point into the world of Apollinaire's poetry, offering a glimpse into his unique poetic vision and lyrical prowess.

Weight: 74g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 6 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910345870