Robert Sheppard Livres

Exploring the complexities of the war on terror, this collection features 100 sonnets that challenge traditional poetic forms while shifting perspectives. The poems interrogate rhetoric with sharp wordplay and vivid imagery, examining both the battlefield and domestic life. Through a blend of humor and speculation, they question the nature of compassion and the human experience. The work emphasizes the ongoing narrative of our stories, inviting readers to reflect on the fluidity of belief in a tumultuous world.

The book features the fictional Belgian poet René Van Valckenborch, who writes in both Flemish and Walloon, reflecting Belgium's cultural divide. As Van Valckenborch's enigmatic persona unfolds, he embodies a blend of comedy and tragedy, leaving behind a fragmented poetic legacy. His work juxtaposes historical themes with experimental forms, showcasing Sheppard's diverse influences—from cinema to social media. Ultimately, the collection challenges the concept of authorship, presenting an imaginative yet tangible exploration of poetry and identity.

The collection showcases Robert Sheppard's poetry from 1985 to 2015, highlighting evolving themes and innovative forms. Critics praise his work for its serious intent and political depth, with recent collections noted for their exploration of language and art's inherent politics. "A Translated Man" features playful, fictional poems that maintain Sheppard's stylistic consistency while offering a fresh perspective. Overall, the anthology reflects a rich tapestry of thought-provoking and enjoyable poetry, marked by humor and a commitment to innovative writing.

The collection showcases innovative poetry that employs tense couplets and centrifugal forms to focus on moments of intense awareness. It explores diverse themes, ranging from the local cultural landscape of Sheppard's city to the broader, troubling realities of global division and political violence, particularly evident in the title poem. The work invites readers to reflect on the interconnectedness of place and the impact of social issues.

The book creatively intertwines a homage to Michael Drayton's 1619 sonnet sequence with a satirical exploration of Brexit's impact on society. It captures the absurdities of the political landscape, showcasing the follies of Brexiteers and the struggles of resistance through a comedic lens. The narrative features a tragic figure, Idea, as a symbol of idealism amidst chaos, blending Renaissance influences with contemporary issues. The work invites readers to find humor in the turmoil of post-Brexit Britain, emphasizing resilience through laughter.

With a blend of humor and satire, the book explores variations on Petrarch's third sonnet, showcasing the comedic reinterpretations of renowned poets like Wyatt, Surrey, and Milton. Sheppard's clever "trans translations" highlight the absurdities of historical figures and contemporary political themes, particularly around Brexit. His sharp wit shines through in his 100-word sonnets, where he captures the essence of national identity and political irony. Expect a playful journey through poetic worlds, filled with laughter and poignant truths.

Merging historical and contemporary elements, this collection features sonnets that reflect the experiences of a civil servant navigating a corrupt administration. The narrative oscillates between the terror of Henry VIII's reign, under Cromwell's influence, and a modern reality, showcasing the emotional turmoil and societal challenges faced by the protagonist. Through a blend of translations from Petrarch and original compositions, the work captures the essence of both eras, highlighting the enduring nature of human struggle and governance.

Focusing on poetic community, this study explores a transformative era in British poetry marked by political turmoil and artistic resistance. It delves into the Poetry Wars of the 1970s, highlights Bob Cobbing's role in the activism of the SubVoicive scene in 1980s London, and examines Iain Sinclair's cultural poetics from the 1990s onward. By emphasizing collective experiences over individual contributions, the work reveals how these movements shaped the landscape of British poetry during challenging times.

An alternative history of the twentieth century forms the core of this definitive edition, which compiles a network of texts created as a time-based project from 1989 to the end of the century. The volume features extensive revisions, a complete index, and includes many previously unpublished works, offering a fresh perspective on historical narratives.

This study engages the life of form in contemporary innovative poetries through both an introduction to the latest theories and close readings of leading North American and British innovative poets. The critical approach derives from Robert Sheppard’s axiomatic contention that poetry is the investigation of complex contemporary realities through the means (meanings) of form. Analyzing the poetry of Rosmarie Waldrop, Caroline Bergval, Sean Bonney, Barry MacSweeney, Veronica Forrest-Thomson, Kenneth Goldsmith, Allen Fisher, and Geraldine Monk, Sheppard argues that their forms are a matter of authorial design and readerly engagement.