HARDY FORUM ARCHIVE  H9958  9/4/99 "JOSEPH BRODKY ON HARDY"
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From: "Seth Lachterman" <slach@banet.net>
Subject: Joseph Brodsky and Hardy's poetry
Date: Sat, 4 Sep 1999 21:34:30 -0400


Just thought I'd pass along some thoughts on an article that I found
extremely rewarding:

    There is a small volume of Hardy verse collected by Russian/American
poet (and, Nobel laureate, I believe), Joseph Brodsky.  It is part of a
series published by Ecco press -- "The Essential Poets." "The Essential
Hardy," the last in the series,  is a small anthology of about 100 poems.
The really interesting thing about this edition is an extensive introduction
(66 pages), in which the poet Brodsky analyzes in considerable depth, five
of Hardy's poems.  His discussion is, I think, quite brilliant and
provocative.  He views Hardy as a "poet's poet," and one that will, after
the millennium, win a huge following.  What I enjoyed the most was his
gleanings of Hardy's craft -- matters of meter, imagery, and tone that
might, I think, elude traditional scholars but appeal to professional poets.
>From subtle pictorialism in "Convergence of the Twain," to social commentary
in "In the Moonlight," I found myself sensitized to Hardy's poetry in new,
refreshing ways.  His exuberance and insight are noteworthy, especially
coming from a non-native-English writer.  Brodsky's prose is lively and
compelling throughout.

    Sadly, though, this volume was written a year before Brodsky's untimely
death.  One would have wanted more from him.

    Also, sadly, I noted that when I picked up this book in
Borders-Books-Music, it was the only Hardy poetry volume that seems to be
commercially available in bookstores. However, I was gratified to find such
fine criticism available to the mass market.

    Has anyone else out there found this book?

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From: WWKerrigan@aol.com
Date: Fri, 29 Oct 1999 10:36:54 EDT
Subject: Re: Brodsky Again


Dear Hardy People,

I recall that a month or so ago someone-- the name is off my screen at this 
point-- wrote to praise Joseph Brodsky's introduction to The Essential Hardy. 
 I had not read it at the time.  

But this is indeed one of the most eye-opening pieces of literary criticism 
that I have encountered in recent years.  The readings of "Convergence of the 
Twain" and "Afterwards" are astounding, and there are rich insights 
throughout.  So I want, belatedly, to add my ladle of laus, and recommend 
this four-star essay to any student of Hardy's verse.

Wally Kerrigan

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