Mass for Hard Times

by R.S. Thomas

Dufour Editions, an independent publisher and distributor for more than forty years, has an established reputation as a fine literary house. International poetry has always been outstanding in the list, which initially began with some of Thomas Kinsella's and John Montague's first books from the prestigious Dolmen Press.Since those early days, the complete poetry list has grown to include prize-winning poets from twenty-nine countries. Many of the poets have toured and been interviewed in the U.S. Some are Nobel Prize winners. This catalog introduces some highly regarded poets from publishers whose lists are being distributed in the U.S. and Canada for the first time.

The rewards in publishing poetry are sometimes sublime, as opposed to commercial, but reader response over the years has justified our commitment. The strength of the list is evidenced on this page, on which we salute recent prize-winners whose books are currently being read throughout the world.

Genres: Poetry

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Ronald Stuart Thomas (1913-2000) (otherwise stylised as R.S. Thomas) was a Welsh poet and Anglican priest who was noted for his nationalism, spirituality and deep dislike of the anglicisation of Wales.

Reviews

[R.J. Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't give five stars lightly. In fact, I think I probably hate giving five stars--and especially to a book by a Welsh poet who didn't like the English (which I am) and made no bones about it. Nevertheless, I can't give this book less. It's hard work and you should not buy it if your idea of poetry is sweet rhymes and nice thoughts about gardens and love, but if you're prepared to put in the effort you will be rewarded. A great book.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, and always just a bit inscrutable, like that essence of life that he approaches. The resolute truth from which you can extract sweetness, a truth that softens to those who yearn for it, yet hardens to those who disparage it. Something much older than us, that will not be replaced by anything we create, and will not be captured by any attempt we make to do so. We can only ever bathe in the midway, between awareness and understanding, and he seems to be at a hard-won peace wit that knowledge.

[Alex Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The funniest he's ever been. Top notch

[Molly Miltenberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that he is so abstract while making the reader completely at home- and also that he is incredible precise and concise, and master of his lines. Beautiful Sunday morning read.