The Collected Poems, 1931-1987

Milosz's stature as a poet is confirmed and enhanced by this massive volume, which brings together new translations, new poems and generous selections from previous verse collections. In the dark, symbolic lyrics of the 1930s, and in his cry of agony through the Nazi years, the Polish-born Nobel laureate snatches shards of hope from the desolate wasteland called Western civilization. His satiric postwar commentaries cut through Cold War hypocrisy as he contemplates life in Poland and in the U.S., where he emigrated. The redeeming power of love, the fleetingness of time are refracted through the tragedy of the 20th century in verses poised on the abyss. In the sweet, aching music of his philosophical poems from the California years, Milosz embraces a world he still loves but cannot fully grasp. Poems written during 1985-87, elegaic and celebratory, stare calmly at death. This immensely rewarding volume spans the full measure of a remarkable poetic achievement. (April)