Worlds Woven Together: Essays on Poetry and Poetics

Worlds Woven Together is a book that explores the politics and mechanics of poetry through close, imaginative readings of a variety of writers. It challenges traditional models of criticism and seeks to provide alternatives for readers interested in the relationship between literature and politics. The book features essays on neglected authors and well-known writers, and explores the connection between the creative consciousness and the violences of history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 19 July 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Writing about poetry is a complex endeavor, influenced by two distinct models: academic scholarship and literary journalism. While academic scholarship aims to distance the reader from the poem and erase the critic's personality, literary journalism puts the critic front and center, often prioritizing value judgments. However, entrenched practices and patterns of privilege limit both perspectives, particularly when it comes to minoritized poets and poets from the Global South, where restrictive notions of identity overshadow stylistic innovations.

In his book, Worlds Woven Together, Vidyan Ravinthiran, a critic, poet, and scholar, seeks to explore alternatives to these traditional approaches. Through close, imaginative readings of a diverse range of writers, Ravinthiran offers open-ended, attentive, and curious essays that are passionate, subjective, and analytical. His essays span neglected authors and well-known figures in the West, intertwining politics with literary form and delving into the relationship between the creative consciousness and the violences of history.

The book features essays on a wide array of writers, including Mir Taqi Mir, Ana Blandiana, A. K. Ramanujan, Marianne Moore, Eunice de Souza, Czeslaw Milosz, Ted Hughes, Rae Armantrout, Arvind Krishna Mehrotra, Galway Kinnell, Dawn Lundy Martin, and Vahni Capildeo. By revealing serendipitous connections between poems and cultures, between lines of verse and the lives we lead, Worlds Woven Together appeals to readers who are fascinated by the mechanics and politics of poetry.

Ravinthiran's approach is characterized by his commitment to close reading and his willingness to challenge conventional narratives. He encourages readers to engage with the text on a personal level, drawing on their own experiences and emotions to interpret and appreciate the poetry. At the same time, he remains firmly grounded in academic scholarship, employing critical analysis and theoretical frameworks to deepen our understanding of the literary works he discusses.

Through his essays, Ravinthiran invites us to expand our horizons and explore the rich tapestry of poetry from different perspectives. He challenges us to think beyond the boundaries of traditional criticism and to embrace the subjective and emotional aspects of poetry. By doing so, he helps us to appreciate the power of poetry to connect, inspire, and transform us, regardless of our background or cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Worlds Woven Together is a valuable contribution to the field of poetry criticism. By offering fresh and innovative approaches to reading and understanding poetry, Ravinthiran encourages us to broaden our perspectives and engage more deeply with this powerful form of artistic expression. Whether you are a poet, a critic, or simply a lover of poetry, this book will provide you with new insights and perspectives that will enrich your appreciation of the art.

Weight: 432g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231202756