The Hand of the Poet : Poems and Papers in Manuscript

Rating:
Summary: Interesting, but is it worth it?
Review: I bought the book, and interesting as it is, I'm just not sure what it's worth to me as a lover of literature and as a writer. I like seeing some of the original manuscripts, the various pictures, and such, but that really didn't enlighten me to anything. Yes, there is a small biographical introduction to each writer, but it's so short as to be almost pointless. This is the kind of book you check out of the library, not buy. I don't want anyone to think it's not a good collection. It is. But I can't in any good faith recommend someone spending this much money on something that really doesn't bring to light anything new or special about any one of these writers. It's just...well, it's just neat. If you want something special, then look elsewhere. If you just like spending money on neat books, then maybe this is for you.

Rating:
Summary: For the aspiring poet, a good read
Review: There is something magical about seeing well known and loved poems in the poet's own hand... this book provides an interesting insight into the works of a good number of well-known poets. A must-have for those who read poetry with more than just a passing interest, this book is also a good starting point for biographical information. Nice photographs, and, when necessary, captions transcribing the poets' sometimes illegible handwriting make this book a gem. Perfect for browsing.

Rating:
Summary: For the aspiring poet, a good read
Review: There is something magical about seeing well known and loved poems in the poet's own hand... this book provides an interesting insight into the works of a good number of well-known poets. A must-have for those who read poetry with more than just a passing interest, this book is also a good starting point for biographical information. Nice photographs, and, when necessary, captions transcribing the poets' sometimes illegible handwriting make this book a gem. Perfect for browsing.

Rating:
Summary: a good representation of an excellent exhibit
Review: This book is based on an 1996 exhibit in the New York Public Library which featured original material from one hundred poets, covering centuries of work, including poets as diverse as John Donne and Allen Ginsberg. Part of the appeal of the exhibit was seeing the actual original manuscripts, jotted notes, and correspondence right in front of you, and in that regard, the book can not live up. It is, nonetheless, excellent in its scope and interesting in its reproductions of the material from the exhibit. It would be particularly appealing to students or enthusiasts of poetry, that is, those with a prior background knowledge of the poets included. It would be of less value to someone looking for an introduction to poetry. I did thoroughly enjoy both the exhibit and the book and do strongly recommend it to any poetry enthusiast.

Rating:
Summary: Deep, dark, lightening bright intrigue
Review: This is a beautifully designed book that will satisfy every single literary peeping tom. Those voyeur pleasure spots will be rubbed just the right way with each intriguing entry. The book is a collection of pictures, short biographies and handwritten notes from a wonderful list of 100 writers. The doodles, the scribbled draft poems or the penciled revisions in the margins next to a picture of the poet allow the reader to experience a rare intimacy with the poet and his art. My favorite picture in the book is of Randall Jarrell holding his beloved "Kitten" in front of a mirror. Jarrell's eyes are looking with joy on the reflection of his cat and "Kitten's" eyes are glaring from the mirror directly at the reader. If you love literature and are intrigued with the creative process, you will love this book.

Rating:
Summary: from the exhibition
Review: this was a nicely done book that helps show you the importance of the poet's original manuscript. all poets and poetry lovers should pick this one up.