Author
Ezra Pound
1885-1972
Ezra Pound (1885-1972) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Ezra Pound
Instigations Together with An Essay on the Chinese Written Character
"Instigations" by Ezra Pound is a collection of essays and critiques focusing primarily on French poetry, written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the contributions of various French poets, analyzing their styles, techniques, and cultural significance. It serves as a platform for Pound's reflections on the importance of linguistic and cultural fluency in engaging with foreign literatures, emphasizing the value of discerning quality poetry from mediocrity. At the start of the collection, Pound reflects on the limitations of monolingualism in American intellectual life and expresses his frustration with the lack of serious engagement with French literature. He outlines his intention to introduce readers to significant French poets, such as Jules Laforgue and Tristan Corbière, offering qualitative analyses of their works. Through his observations, he critiques various poetic styles and the impact of cultural context on poetry, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the artistry found within the French literary tradition.
Cathay
"Cathay" by Ezra Pound and Bai Li is a collection of classical Chinese poetry published in 1915. Working from Ernest Fenollosa's posthumous notes despite knowing no Chinese, Pound created fifteen bold translations that are considered less strict renderings than new works in their own right. The poems explore themes of separation, loneliness, and the soldier's experience, using vivid imagery to convey unspoken emotions. These groundbreaking translations helped establish modernist approaches to literary translation.
Lustra of Ezra Pound
"Lustra of Ezra Pound" by Ezra Pound and Bai Li is a collection of poems written during the early 20th century. This book encompasses a wide range of themes, reflecting on personal experience, beauty, and artistic expression. It combines both original works and translations that delve into aesthetics, nature, social commentary, and the intricacies of human relationships. The collection presents a diverse tapestry of poems, each exploring different moments, emotions, and encounters. Pieces like "In a Station of the Metro" capture fleeting observations of modern life, while others, such as "The River Merchant's Wife: A Letter," reflect on love and longing through the lens of Chinese literature. The poems exemplify Pound's distinctive style, rich with imagery and metaphor, as well as his engagement with various cultures. Overall, "Lustra of Ezra Pound" serves as an exploration of both the poet's inner world and the broader cultural landscapes he engages with, making it a significant work in the realm of modern poetry.
Poems 1918-21, Including Three Portraits and Four Cantos
"Poems 1918-21, Including Three Portraits and Four Cantos" by Ezra Pound is a collection of poetry produced during the early 20th century, specifically following the tumult of World War I. This book encapsulates various forms, including reflections on classical themes, modern experiences, and the juxtaposition of personal narrative against historical events. The work aims to capture the essence of beauty, art, and intellectual exploration, offering a rich tapestry of language and thought. The collection is primarily divided into several sections, starting with "Three Portraits" which pay homage to historical figures and literary influences, blending the personal with the universal. Pound's innovative style is evident through his use of vivid imagery, musical language, and the incorporation of classical references, creating a sense of continuity between the past and present. The "Four Cantos" reflect a more abstract exploration of cultural and social themes, delving into the implications of modernity and the challenges of artistic integrity amidst a rapidly changing world. Overall, Pound's work is a profound commentary on the nature of art, love, and the human condition, making it an essential read for those interested in modernist poetry.
Personae
"Personae" by Ezra Pound is a collection of poems written in the early 20th century. This innovative work showcases Pound's mastery of various poetic forms and his engagement with classical themes and European literary traditions. The collection explores deeply personal themes, including love, identity, and the nature of poetic creation. The poems within "Personae" often feature a range of personae or characters, each giving voice to different emotions and ideas. For instance, poems like "La Fraisne" and "Cino" reflect on themes of love and nature from unique perspectives, while "Villonaud for this Yule" and "A Villonaud: Ballad of the Gibbet" delve into historical and existential reflections. Throughout the collection, Pound's use of vivid imagery and evocative language invites readers to engage with the complexities of human experience and the intricacies of artistic expression. The interplay between various voices and styles paints a rich tapestry of early 20th-century thought, resonating with the struggles of the modern age.
Canzoni & Ripostes Whereto are appended the Complete Poetical Works of T.E. Hulme
"Canzoni & Ripostes" by Ezra Pound and T. E. Hulme is a poetic collection written in the early 20th century, reflecting the modernist movement in literature. The book encompasses a series of lyrical poems that delve into themes of love, nature, and the struggles of existence, often marked by intense emotional expression and intellectual depth. The content of the book is organized into sections featuring various poetic forms, including canzoni, ballate, and sonnets. Each poem resonates with the personal experiences and philosophical musings of the authors, exploring the complexities of love and the fleeting nature of beauty. Notable pieces like "The Yearly Slain" and "Of Incense" convey a profound sense of melancholy and longing, while "The Vision" and other works reflect the joy and inner turmoil associated with love. Together, these poems create a rich tapestry that highlights the interplay between the physical and metaphysical, urging readers to ponder the significance of their own emotions and experiences.
Exultations
"Exultations" by Ezra Pound is a collection of poems written in the early 20th century. This volume showcases Pound's innovative style and his exploration of themes such as beauty, war, and love. The poems contained within reflect a deep appreciation for art and the intricacies of human experience, often moving through historical references and emotional intensity. In "Exultations," Pound presents a diverse array of poetic forms, from free verse to structured pieces like the Sestina. The poet dives into various subjects, including the passionate sorrows of love, the thrill of battle, and reflections on key historical figures, such as Columbus and the character Bertrans de Born. Each poem exhibits Pound’s keen lyrical ability, blending vivid imagery with philosophical musings. Through personal and collective struggles, his work captures the essence of the human spirit, inviting readers into a rich tapestry of emotion and thought.
Hugh Selwyn Mauberley
"Hugh Selwyn Mauberley" by Ezra Pound is a collection of poems published in the early 20th century. It reflects the disillusionment and artistic struggles of a modern poet who feels out of touch with the contemporary world. The work explores themes such as the nature of art, culture, and the impact of war on society, providing a critical lens on the values of Pound's time. The poems within "Hugh Selwyn Mauberley" are framed around the character of the poet Hugh Selwyn Mauberley, who embodies a voice of artistic integrity amidst the chaotic modern landscape. Through a series of sections, the work contrasts traditional artistic ideals with the emerging values of the 20th century. It delves into the conflicts between personal desire and societal expectations, showcasing Mauberley's reflections on beauty, creativity, and the ephemeral nature of existence. Pound's sharp wit and incisive commentary serve to critique both the cultural zeitgeist and his own place within it, ultimately expressing a sense of longing for a more profound connection to art and life.
Provença : $b Poems selected from Personae, Exultations, and Canzoniere of Ezra Pound
"Provença : Poems selected from Personae, Exultations, and Canzoniere of Ezra…" by Ezra Pound is a collection of poetry compiled in the early 20th century. The book brings together dramatic monologues, lyrics, and formal experiments that channel medieval Provence and Italy through modernist craft. Its likely topic is the renewal of old songs and courtly themes—love, war, piety, and fame—through vivid personae and finely wrought forms. The volume is arranged in three parts. Personae stages bold voices—troubadours, mystics, warriors, and wanderers—speaking from settings that range from Provençal courts and Italian roads to ash woods, sea caves, and modern London; poems like “La Fraisne,” “Cino,” “Na Audiart,” “Sestina: Altaforte,” “Ballad of the Goodly Fere,” and “Piccadilly” show desire, revolt, and spiritual hunger in archaic yet urgent diction. Exultations mixes litany and flare—Venetian night prayers, martial exultation, portraits of artists, poetic self-possession in “Histrion,” and visionary pieces like “Paracelsus in Excelsis,” alongside adaptations (Lope de Vega’s lullaby, a Greek epigram) and laments and albas in Provençal manner. Canzoniere presents strict studies in form—octaves, sonnets, ballate, and canzoni modeled on Arnaut Daniel, Dante, and Cavalcanti—where light, sea, angels, and the “Lady” organize longing and praise, culminating in an epilogue to Guido Cavalcanti and notes that gloss the medieval sources.