The Random House Book of Twentieth-Century French Poetry: With translations by American and British poets

by Paul Auster (editor)

English, French

Genres: Poetry, France, Anthologies

635 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Mitch]

This is a crucial book, one that I return to all the time. It's not just the sparkling selection (editor Paul Auster made just the right choices), it's the translations themselves. I was at the launch party for this book, where some of the translators read from their work in the book, and I remember being impressed and delighted. At the time, I couldn't afford the book. Later, found a hardcover at half-price somewhere (probably Strand). The Micheaux (translation by Armand Schwerner) poems stand out, as well as Cendrars (Padgett).

[Kitty]

side-by-side edition of 47 20th c. French poets -- 663 pages of pleasure not only for the French, but the multitude of venerable British and American poets who make their mark. I like the variety of voices which range from translations of poets from the turn of the century to the later years of the 20th century.

I'm using many of the poems for a course I'm teaching on French poetry for the non-fluent French student.
Having the side-by-side edition is a distinct asset, to point out the form and sounds of the original language.

[Sarah]

This book is my plastic jesus.

[Tosh]

Excellent survey of French poets and their poems in one nice edition. I especially like it for the Surrealists - Breton, Soupault, etc. Paul Auster did a great editing job on this particular book.

[Andrew]

An amazing collection of 20th century French poetry edited by the profoundly knowledgeable Paul Auster. This kind of compendium isnt something you ever finish reading, but rather a reference to be used to further investigate various movements or epics of French contemporary poetry. I came to this volume already pretty well versed in the majority of Surrealist authors, but it thankfully led me to the likes of Saint John-Pearse, Reverdy, and Ponge. For that, I hold this collection forever in high esteem.

[Shelby Koning]

I got this book at Powell's Books in the late 80's. No other book I own looks so ravaged, read, revered. All my dreams were wrapped in ribbons of poetry in those younger years, beauty and death. Here I stand in the middle, re-experiencing it in a way that only time can allow. A treasure, what survived, gives passion, leads to the tributary of emotional resonance. How does one rate poetry, stars in the sky, or on the page? How did it make me feel, how far did it travel? Does it wear its scars well? Five out of five, would travel through time again, to open these pages and feel like a poet again, and again, unfolding the dog ears, jumping to the lines with emphasis, stars... So many.

[Jeff Harrington]

One of my main sources for titles of my pieces!

[Mitchell McInnis]

Auster is primarily known for his novels, though he is a very accomplished critic and curator of poetry. This bilingual collection is a wonderful testament to the same. Highlights include translations by Charles Simic among others.

[Kerryn]

I DIDN’T ACTUALLY READ THIS BOOK, I READ ANOTHER WHICH ISN’T ON GOODREADS AND WANTED TO COUNT TOWARDS MY CHALLENGE SOMEHOW

[Eric]

"Et comme l'Êsperance est violente."

[jessa]

One of my favorite re-reads.

[Mark]

The only good thing Paul Auster has ever done.

[Joseph Ozias]

A great collection of poetry.

[Tom]

I am reading this soon.