The Heavy Bear Who Goes With Me: 100 classic poems with commentary

The Heavy Bear Who Goes With Me is a collection of 100 classic poems from five centuries, accompanied by lively "companion" commentaries that illuminate each poem. The anthology explores the themes of another self, the burden of poetry, and the animal side of humanity, featuring works by Wyatt, Ralegh, Shakespeare, Donne, Milton, Marvell, Swift, Pope, Johnson, Blake, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Shelley, Keats, Browning, Tennyson, and Hardy. It also includes contemporary poets such as Delmore Schwartz and Brendan Kennelly, as well as major figures in Irish poetry. The editors, Brendan Kennelly and Neil Astley, are renowned communicators of poetry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 17 April 2022
Publisher: Bloodaxe Books Ltd

The Heavy Bear Who Goes With Me is an essential companion for poetry enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive collection of 100 classic poems spanning five centuries. Accompanied by lively "companion" commentaries, these poems are brought to life, providing insights and illumination for each piece. The heavy bear can symbolize various aspects that accompany the bearer, such as another self or alter ego, the weight of poetry or art, the forces that hold us back or pull us towards ourselves, and the animal side that makes us human.

The editors' carefully curated selection spans different eras, from the 16th century with figures like Wyatt, Ralegh, and Shakespeare to the 17th century with Donne, Milton, and Marvell, and then to the 18th century with Swift, Pope, and Johnson. It encompasses the Romantic visions of Blake, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Shelley, and Keats, as well as the later, darker outlook of Browning, Tennyson, and Hardy. The anthology also delves into the shadowlands of Emily Dickinson, Wilde, and Yeats, seeking enlightenment in their profound poetic expressions.

As The Heavy Bear takes readers on a journey through some of the greatest poems in the English language, it also encounters many modern poets. Notably, Delmore Schwartz's poem "The Heavy Bear Who Goes With Me," which serves as the title of the anthology, reflects the conflict between self and society that inspired it. Other notable poets included in this collection are Brendan Kennelly, who knew personally many of the major figures in Irish poetry, such as Patrick Kavanagh, Seamus Heaney, Michael Longley, Derek Mahon, and Eavan Boland. The poems in this compilation engage in a continuous thematic and imagistic debate, challenging and questioning each other. The editors aim to explore this debate in their responses, striving to define their sense and vision of poetry as a disturbing, questioning, and enlightening companionship for the reader.

Both editors, Brendan Kennelly and Michael Longley, are renowned communicators of poetry. Kennelly, known as one of Ireland's best-loved poets, has left an indelible mark on the literary world with his poetic prowess. Longley, a respected critic and scholar, has contributed significantly to the understanding and appreciation of poetry. Together, they have created a masterpiece that will captivate and inspire poetry enthusiasts for generations to come.

In conclusion, The Heavy Bear Who Goes With Me is a treasure trove of poetic brilliance, offering readers a comprehensive and enlightening journey through the ages. With its lively commentaries, diverse selection of poets, and insightful perspectives, this anthology is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the power of poetry to inspire, challenge, and illuminate.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 215 x 139 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781852244408