On August 29th, The Essential W.S. Merwin – a long-awaited collection of Merwin’s lifetime contributions to poetry, prose and translation – was released by his publisher, Copper Canyon Press.
The book, which was supported by fans and readers through Copper Canyon Press’ successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, can be purchased through the publisher here.
Compiled by Merwin’s long-time editor Michael Wiegers, this 300-plus page volume “traces a poetic legacy that has changed the landscape of American letters”, says the publisher.
The Washington Post says collection “beautifully demonstrates why Merwin has been one of America’s most decorated and important poets for more than 60 years.”
To read selected poems from the collection, you may wish to browse the poetry shared weekly on our blog.
We’ve compiled more reviews of the book, which can be found at the links below:
“The Ascetic Insight of W.S. Merwin”, by Dan Chiasson, The New Yorker
“Why W.S. Merwin Endures”, by Elizabeth Lund, The Washington Post
“The Essential W.S. Merwin”, by Bruce Arlen Wasserman, The New York Journal of Books
“Must-Read Poetry: September 2017”, by Nick Ripatrazone, The Millions
“Staff Picks”, by Jeffrey Gleaves, The Paris Review