Collected Poems

by Louis Simpson

Book by Simpson, Louis

399 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1990

About the author

Louis Aston Marantz Simpson

Reviews

[Dani ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Louis Simpson writes, especially in the time of his first poems, powerful and often very rhythmic poems in which he showcases an almost philosophical attitude. He often references his experiences during the second world war in a touching manner and makes very interesting use of ancient greek mythology! In his later poems he has a much more narrative style which did not resonate with me as much, but even they are certainly not bad poems.
One thing that did disappoint me is that the racist views of his time are in some poems quite evident, though most do not uphold those ideas.

[Daniel Klawitter · Rating 4 out of 5]

American Poetry


Whatever it is, it must have
A stomach that can digest
Rubber, coal, uranium, moons, poems.

Like the shark, it contains a shoe.
It must swim for miles through the desert
Uttering cries that are almost human.

[Cooper Renner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simpson is simply one of the best.

[Jeff Laughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A master of observation and image. A wonderful poet. RIP.