Drowning Like Li Po in a River of Red Wine. Selected Poems 1970-2010

by A.D. Winans

A career-spanning book of poetry from this small press legend.

Genres: Poetry

364 pages, Hardcover

First published November 5, 2010

Reviews

[trestitia ⵊⵊⵊ deamorski]

henüz araştırmadım internette var mı yok mu ancak elbet bigün okuyucam güzel amcacım seni.
(facebook anılar'dan buraya geldim, zamanında biri çevirmiş bir şiirini batuhan dedde de paylaşmış. ama ne derler küfür içerir -> aq salağı şiirin adını yazmamış fln fln)

[Solita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I also read In the Dead Hours of Dawn, which is not listed in GoodReads. I just happened to find it at the library. I am a big fan of A.D. Winans. IMHO, he doesn't have Bukowski genius, but some of his poems are reminiscent of Bukowski, and, in fact, some of his poems are about Bukowski. I loved all the poems in Dead Hours, and most the poems in Drowning, which are selected works. I have to say, some of his poems don't quite get there, and at times I feel as if he is competing with Bukowski. Some of the poems sound like a celebration of poetry, some celebrate particular poets, such as Jack Micheline, or William Wantling. Other times he's critical of poetry readings, and poets he feels are ego-driven limelight seekers, and he criticizes established poetry mags (Paris Review, etc.), and academics. There are times I feel he sounds curmudgeonly, while other times I feel he sounds compassionate, and on occasion I hear a cynical humor, which makes me smile. I get the feeling he feels ambivalent about poetry, or living as a poet, yet he celebrates it too. All in all, I love A.D. Winans poetry. Mostly it's beautiful poetry, and Winans has a unique voice. He's my favorite contemporary poet (next to Bukowski). He just has the feel of a genuine poet, a man compelled by poetry to write poetry.

[Hosho · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.D. Winans' career-spanning retrospective. If you buy one A.D. Winans book...shame on you! But, if you buy one A.D. Winans book, it really should be this 400 page, 40 years in the making opus. The gorgeous, hand-bound book is a direct descendant of beat poetry in San Francisco and into the 21st century. A monumental, and significant book.