Another Order: Selected Works

by Judith Copithorne, Eric Schmaltz (Editor)

Another Selected Works gathers the dynamic and previously inaccessible works of Judith Copithorne, the boundary-pushing writer, artist, community worker, and outspoken feminist who has been a key figure in Vancouver’s literary scene since the 1960s. Including poetry, fiction, visual art, comics, and life writing, Another Order captures Copithorne’s “embodied approach to text” and her tireless experiments with media – from typewriters and pens to computer software – in texts that engage issues of gender, sexuality, desire, subjectivity, spirituality, and revolution. Edited and introduced by Eric Schmaltz, this volume affirms Judith Copithorne’s position among the leading avant-garde poets and artists of her time.

400 pages, Paperback

Published December 5, 2023

About the author

Judith Copithorne was a Canadian concrete and visual poet.

Reviews

[Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Order is a 350-page book focused on the works of Judith Copithorne, organized into three sections: 1) visual poetry and hybrid works, 2) poetry, and 3) prose and occasional work. The introduction by Eric Schmaltz is helpful in contextualizing the years in which Copithorne is creating.

I very much adored the first section of the book. The mandala-like pieces from (1967) Meandering are a beautiful mesmerizing labyrinth of voice. The ink works from (1970) Runes have a captivating power that allowed me to mull them over, becoming acquainted with how they are fossilized there together in one rock-page.

The (1971) Miss Tree’s Pillow Book flows from words into images and back into words so seamlessly. Some also felt like seeing emoji use of today — a heart or a lightning bolt symbol segueing a moment to moment.

The (1973) Arrangements have a more composed quality about them, appearing like advertisement posters and commercial design work. The household and neighbourhood scene fragments are my favourites of the entire collection. And the text could almost say anything and I might feel that way about them. We have so many of our thoughts — spirited, soul-searching, relaxed and mundane — in these kinds of settings.

“Getting things into perspective / After realizing there’s no way to get ahead or behind. Spring’s birthday. Full of white light“

There is a 2013 interview near the end of the book and 2018 Surprising Writing that are a wonderful read. We hear from Copithorne herself on this genre of creativity after so many years of working in it!

A refreshing and restorative read, and comprehensive encounter! Highly recommend!

[Paul Vermeersch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captures the vital character of Copithorne's writing and visual experiments--it absolutely pulsates with life!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my review in Arc Poetry Magazine