Threshold

by James Longenbach

Threshold is an extraordinary first collection that explores the shifting spaces between differing states of human experience. James Longenbach's poems dwell on metaphoric gates, doorways, and end points past which our everyday world seems luminous and strange. Technically superb and quietly moving, Threshold resonates with a fresh poetic voice.

Genres: Poetry

80 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 1998

About the author

James Longenbach is a poet and critic whose work is often featured in publications such as The New Yorker, Paris Review, and Slate. He lives in Rochester, New York.

Reviews

[Joe · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit sententious at times. Compared to the spare line and sudden swerves of "Draft of a Letter," Longenbach's line here just seems plodding. And while his thoughts are often startling and complex, they are too importantly wrapped. Add to this the unnerving number of dead children JL peppers his poems with and the end result is gravitas overload.