Turn Up the Ocean

Americas Tony Hoagland (1953-2018) was known for his provocative poems that examine human nature and contemporary culture with an intimate and urgent urgency. His final collection, Turn Up the Ocean, explores the reality of living and dying in a time and culture that erase our inner lives with wit and unparalleled observations. Perseverance depends on skepticism, comedy, authentic connection, and the consolations of the natural world. Hoagland was a humorous high priest of irony, pushing the poem to its limits and over the edge.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Bloodaxe Books Ltd

America's Tony Hoagland (1953-2018) was renowned for his thought-provoking poetry that delved into the depths of human nature and contemporary culture, exhibiting an intimate and raw urgency that straddled the boundaries between outrage, stand-up comedy, and grief. The poems featured in his final collection, Turn Up the Ocean, offer a unflinching and wry examination of the realities of living and dying in a time and culture that relentlessly seek to erode our inner selves. Hoagland's signature wit and unparalleled observations encompass a wide range of topics, including longstanding injustices, the horrors of American empire and consumerism, and our persistent tendency to turn a blind eye. Within these poems, perseverance hinges on a delicate balance of skepticism and comedy, a relentless pursuit of genuine connection, and the solace found in the natural world. Turn Up the Ocean stands as a remarkable and poignant testament to Hoagland's unwavering dedication to the boundless possibilities and artistic brilliance of poetry.

Tony Hoagland's poetry is a captivating blend of humor and provocation, simultaneously entertaining and thought-provoking. He was hailed as the comedic high priest of irony in American poetry, adeptly wielding his disarming wit, self-reflection, and tenderness, all fueled by a fierce moral intelligence. Hoagland pushed the boundaries of the poem to their utmost limits, taking it to new heights of creativity and expression. His work explores a wide range of themes, from societal injustices to the horrors of American empire and consumerism, all while maintaining a sharp wit and a tender heart. Through his poetry, Hoagland invites his readers to engage with the world on a deeper level, challenging them to consider their role in shaping the world and to seek solace and connection in the natural world. Turn Up the Ocean is a testament to Hoagland's unwavering commitment to the art of poetry and his ability to capture the essence of human experience with wit, honesty, and depth.

Weight: 200g
Dimension: 157 x 232 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781780376318