The Complete Poems
The Complete Poems
Philip Larkin
Christopher Hitchens
Christopher Hitchens said this author is one of his favorite poets.
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The Complete Poems

The Complete Poems of Philip Larkin

Philip Larkin
By
Philip Larkin
4.4
482
ratings on Goodreads

In this definitive collection, "The Complete Poems" by Philip Larkin unfolds as a grand tapestry of human emotion and experience, woven with the threads of everyday life. Larkin's mastery in capturing the essence of the mundane, the profound sadness, and fleeting joys of existence, is unparalleled. Each poem serves as a window into the poet's keen observation and his ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. This volume not only gathers his well-known works but also unveils previously unpublished pieces and hidden gems from his correspondence, offering a comprehensive view of Larkin's poetic journey. From the tender to the satirical, the affectionate to the sentimental, every poem is a testament to Larkin's enduring legacy as one of the 20th century's most distinguished voices. Accompanied by a meticulous commentary that illuminates Larkin's creative process and literary genius, this edition is a treasure trove for both long-time admirers and new readers. The commentary not only draws from an extensive pool of scholarship on Larkin but also enriches the reader's understanding by exploring the historical contexts, personal anecdotes, and intricate wordplay behind the poems. Larkin, often perceived as a poet who downplayed his literary craftsmanship, emerges through this collection as a more complex figure whose work resonates with the writings of others and captures the human condition in its myriad forms. "The Complete Poems" by Philip Larkin is more than a collection; it is a monumental tribute to a poet who mastered the art of speaking the universal through the particular.

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Released
2012
1 Jan
Length
768
Pages

1

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Christopher Hitchens said this author is one of his favorite poets.
What do they think has happened, the old fools,To make them like this? Do they somehow supposeIt's more grown-up when your mouth hangs open and drools,And you keep on pissing yourself, and can't rememberWho called this morning? Or that, if they only chose,They could alter things back to when they danced all night,Or went to their wedding, or sloped arms some September?Or do they fancy there's really been no change,And they've always behaved as if they were crippled or tight,Or sat through days of thin continuous dreamingWatching the light move? If they don't (and they can't), it's strange;Why aren't they screaming?
— Philip Larkin, The Complete Poems

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