Borges and Other Sonnets

by William Baer

This collection of hard-edged, contemporary sonnets takes an uncompromising look at the current times, and our human failings and foibles. Although markedly contemporary in its subjects, the book presents keen awareness of the past and its unrelenting relationship with the present. The collection includes translations from two legendary sonneteers: Portuguese warrior-poet, Luis de Camoes (1524-1580), and twentieth-century Argentine, J L Borges (1899-1986). Baer's sonnet translations are widely praised for capturing the subtleties and soaring spirits of the originals.

Genres: Poetry

75 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

William Baer, a recent Guggenheim fellow, is the award-winning author of twenty-five books including New Jersey Noir; Times Square and Other Stories; One-and-Twenty Tales; Companion; The Ballad Rode into Town; Formal Salutations: New & Selected Poems; Classic American Films; and The Unfortunates (recipient of the T.S. Eliot Award). A former Fulbright in Portugal, he’s also received the Jack Nicholson Screenwriting Award and a Creative Writing Fellowship in fiction from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful collection.

[Ann Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the past, I have held the view that SOME of Baer's sonnets seem rather lightweight, but he's good at them--never sounds forced. I rated this book highly, though, because most of the poems are really thought-provoking and often profoundly moving. I loved the five little "Sermons to Myself."

Really a good read. One I will return to again and again.