Critics Page
Radical Poets of Different Feathers
By Luigi BalleriniA poetic text is a source of renewable linguistic energy, and since language—the mysterious transformation of sound into sense and meaning—is what make us human, you could also call it a source of vital energy, our mental and emotional breath, the winter of our discontent and the summer of our rejoicing.
from Floodgate of Wind
By Antonella Anedda Translated from the Italian by Eleonora BuonocoreAntonella Anedda is an Italian poet. She teaches at the University of Arezzo and is the author of numerous books of poems, essays, and translations.
From Scraps
By Mariano Bàino Translated from the Italian by Luigi BonaffiniMariano Bàino has published the following books of verse: Camera Iperbarica (1983); Fax giallo (1993, 2001); Ônne 'e terra (1994, 2003); Pinocchio (moviole) (2000); Sparigli marsigliesi (2000, 2003); Amarellimerick (2003); Prova d'inchiostro e altri sonetti (2017). His prose works include: Le anatre di ghiaccio (2004); L'uomo avanzato (2008); Dal rumore bianco (2012); In (nessuna) Patagonia (2014).
The Trip
By Mary Jo BangMary Jo Bang is the author of seven collections of poems. She teaches at Washington University in St. Louis.
three
By Charles BernsteinCharles Bernstein is a poet. Charles Bernstein’s most recent contribution to the Rail was an interview with Etel Adnan (February 2021). His most recent book is Topsy-Turvy from the University of Chicago Press.
Mandy
By Anselm BerriganAnselm Berrigan is the poetry editor for the Brooklyn Rail. He lives and grew up in the somewhat lower part of Manhattan.
Nest, Hospice, Prison Camp
By Susan BrianteSusan Briante, a poet, essayist and translator, is the author of books of poetry: Pioneers in the Study of Motion, Utopia Minus, and The Market Wonders. Defacing the Monument, a series of essays on immigration, archives, aesthetics and the state, was published by Noemi Press in 2020.
(°) – seed
By Maria Grazia Calandrone Translated from the Italian by Nicholas BensonMaria Grazia Calandrone is a poet, playwright, journalist, performer, teacher, and writer based in Rome. She presents cultural programs on RAI Radio 3 and contributes literary criticism to many newspapers like Poesia, il Manifesto, Corriere della Sera and 7. She also leads poetry workshops in schools, prisons, and mental health units. Her poetry di lei has been translated into over twenty languages. In 2021 she was selected for the Premio Strega 2021, the most important Italian literary prize.
from Every Five Strokes
By Vincenzo Frungillo Translated from the Italian by Christina VaniVincenzo Frungillo (Naples, 1973) is a poet, writer and essayist. He has published the books of verse Children of the master way, Every five strokes, and Pavlov's dog. Report of an expert opinion, among others. For the theater he published Pavlov's dog. A monologue and Spinalonga. A dramaturgy on corruption. His first novel is titled One less name. His most recent book of poems, Prime hunting and death scenes, was released in 2021.
from Excesses (on a little flight)
By Marco Giovenale Translated from the Italian by V. Joshua AdamsMarco Giovenale (1969) lives and works in Rome. He writes in Italian and (sometimes in) English. His most recent book, GLITCHASEMICS, was published by Post-Asemic Press in 2020.
Romanticism
By Peter GizziPeter Gizzi recent books include, Now It’s Dark (Wesleyan, 2020), Sky Burial: New and Selected Poems (Carcanet, UK 2020), Archeophonics (Finalist for the National Book Award, Wesleyan, 2016); In Defense of Nothing (Finalist for the LA Times Book Award, Wesleyan, 2014); and Threshold Songs (Wesleyan, 2011). For more info: petergizzi.org
Gap and Erasure
By John LattaJohn Latta is the author of Rubbing Torsos (Ithaca House, 1979) and Breeze (U. of Notre Dame Press, 2003). Between 2006 and 2015 he regularly put together notes and quotes for a blog called Isola di Rifiuti. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Dreamlike
(Homo Bulla)
By Laura Liberale
Translated from the Italian by Murtha Baca and Federica Santini
Laura Liberale has a degree in Philosophy, a PhD in Indological Studies and a Master's Degree in Death Studies & the End of Life. Her books include Tanatoparty (Meridiano Zero, 2009), Madreferro (Perdisa Pop, 2012), Planctus (Meridiano Zero, 2014), and the poetic collections Sari - poems for the daughter (d'If, 2009), Ballabile terreo (d'If, 2011, Mazzacurati-Russo 2011 award), The availability of our meat (Oèdipus, 2017, Lorenzo Montano award 2017, 2nd place ex aequo Anna Osti Award 2017).
Porta Westfalica
By Valerio Magrelli Translated from the Italian by Jamie McKendrickValerio Magrelli is a professor of French literature at the University of Cassino and a frequent contributor to the cultural pages of several Italian dailies. He is the author of four prize-winning poetry collections, and his poems have been translated into English, French, Spanish,and a number of other languages.
from Acavity of an Odyssey (Unfinished Mandala)
By Ivan Schiavone Translated from the Italian by Alessandro GiammeiIvan Schiavone is an Italian poet. His book Tables and Rooms (Oèdipus, 2019) was one of the finalists at the Bologna in Lettere Prize 2021 in the published Poetry section.
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By Rosmarie WaldropRosmarie Waldrop’s most recent books are The Nick of Time, Gap Gardening: Selected Poems, and Driven to Abstraction (New Directions). Her novels, The Hanky of Pippin’s Daughter and A Form/of Taking/It All, are now available in one volume from Northwestern UP; her collected essays, Dissonance (if you are interested), from U of Alabama Press. She has translated 14 volumes of Edmond Jabès’s work (her memoir, Lavish Absence: Recalling and Rereading Edmond Jabès, is out from Wesleyan UP) as well as books by Emmanuel Hocquard, Jacques Roubaud, and, from the German, Friederike Mayröcker, Elke Erb, Peter Waterhouse, Gerhard Rühm, etc. With Keith Waldrop, she edits Burning Deck Press.
