Barbara Guest Livres

The lifework of a preeminent New York School poet

This classic novel by Barbara Guest, originally published in 1978, has been revived by Grand Iota, featuring her preface to the second edition. The book offers a unique perspective through its narrative, enriched by a new afterword from Rachel Blau DuPlessis, providing contemporary insights into Guest's work. This edition marks a significant return of a notable literary voice, celebrating the themes and style that define Guest's writing.

This collection showcases six decades of profound reflections on literature and art by a preeminent poet. It offers insights into the creative process, exploring the interplay between artistic expression and the human experience. The work reveals the poet's evolving thoughts and critiques, providing a rich tapestry of ideas that illuminate the significance of art in society. Readers will discover a unique perspective that bridges the past and present, highlighting the enduring impact of literary and artistic endeavors.

Barbara Guest (1920-2006) was the overlooked fifth member of the New York School, overshadowed by Ashbery, Koch, O'Hara, and Schuyler. Recently, she has experienced a well-deserved renaissance, becoming an icon for Language School poets and younger American writers. A German selection of her work is being published alongside her Collected Poems in the U.S.