The Poetry of Derek Walcott 1948-2013

Name: The Poetry of Derek Walcott 1948-2013
SKU: 9780374537579
Price: 1800.00 EGP
Availability: InStock

EGP1,800.00

Book Summary

A collection spanning the whole of Derek Walcott’s celebrated, inimitable, essential career “He gives us more than himself or ‘a world’; he gives us a sense of infinity embodied in the language.” Alongside Joseph Brodsky’s words of praise one might mention the more concrete honors that the renowned poet Derek Walcott has received: a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship; the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry; the Nobel Prize in Literature. The Poetry of Derek Walcott 1948-2013 draws from every stage of the poet’s storied career. Here are examples of his very earliest work, like “In My Eighteenth Year,” published when the poet himself was still a teenager; his first widely celebrated verse, like “A Far Cry from Africa,” which speaks of violence, of loyalties divided in one’s very blood; his mature work, like “The Schooner Flight” from The Star-Apple Kingdom; and his late masterpieces, like the tender “Sixty Years After,” from the 2010 collection White Egrets. Across sixty-five years, Walcott grapples with the themes that have defined his work as they have defined his life: the unsolvable riddle of identity; the painful legacy of colonialism on his native Caribbean island of St. Lucia; the mysteries of faith and love and the natural world; the Western canon, celebrated and problematic; the trauma of growing old, of losing friends, family, one’s own memory. This collection, selected by Walcott’s friend the English poet Glyn Maxwell, will prove as enduring as the questions, the passions, that have driven Walcott to write for more than half a century.

Language: English
Paperback: 640 pages
ISBN-10: 9780374537579
ISBN-13: 9780374537579
Genre: Poetry
Condition: New

SKU: 9780374537579 Categories: Books, English Books, Poetry Author: Derek Walcott

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The Poetry of Derek Walcott 1948-2013

The Poetry of Derek Walcott 1948-2013 Book Description

Readers will discover a sweeping anthology that follows every phase of Derek Walcott’s legendary career. From teenage verses such as “In My Eighteenth Year” to the powerful “A Far Cry from Africa,” the collection shows how his voice matured over six decades. Meanwhile, later poems like “The Schooner Flight” and the tender “Sixty Years After” illustrate his lasting skill. Because the selections were chosen by his close friend, poet Glyn Maxwell, the book feels both personal and comprehensive.

Fans of Caribbean literature will find themes of identity, colonial legacy, and faith woven throughout the pages. The poet wrestles with the pain of St. Lucia’s history, the beauty of the sea, and the mystery of memory. Additionally, his dialogue with the Western canon appears both celebratory and critical, offering readers a rich, layered experience. Therefore, this anthology serves as a guide to the questions that drove Walcott for more than half a century.

Inside the volume, each poem is presented in its original form, preserving the language that earned Walcott a MacArthur Fellowship, the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry, and the Nobel Prize in Literature. Moreover, the chronological order helps readers track his artistic evolution. The brief notes provide context without overwhelming the reader, making the book accessible to newcomers and longtime admirers alike.

Key Features of The Poetry of Derek Walcott 1948-2013

Readers can enjoy a 640‑page paperback that balances depth with readability. Dozens of poems span sixty‑five years, offering a broad view of Walcott’s talent. Each piece is printed in clear, high‑quality type, allowing the lyrical rhythm to shine on the page.

Also included are insightful introductions that highlight the historical and personal background of selected works. The design features simple headings and generous margins, which help the eye move smoothly from stanza to stanza. Because the collection is curated by Glyn Maxwell, it reflects a trusted literary friendship and offers a unique perspective on Walcott’s legacy.

Why Read This Book?

Many readers will appreciate how the anthology captures the emotional range of a Nobel laureate. It explores love, loss, aging, and the quest for belonging—topics that resonate across cultures and generations. Furthermore, the poems invite reflection on the impact of colonialism and the enduring power of language.

Meanwhile, students and scholars gain a reliable resource for studying Walcott’s development from a prodigious teenager to a mature poet. The clear organization and supplemental notes make classroom use straightforward. Therefore, buying this book adds a valuable, timeless voice to any personal library.