Hitler's Mustache

by Peter Davis

Genres: Poetry

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Peter Davis lives with his sweet wife, son and daughter. His poems have appeared in places like Atticus, Jacket, and The Best American Poetry anthology. He draws, writes and makes music in Muncie, Indiana while teaching English at Ball State University. More info at artisnecessary.com.

Reviews

[Adam Stone · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the drawbacks of the poetry interaction project was that I often purchased whatever people suggested without even flipping through the book before I spent money on it. It's an act of faith that has worked out almost every time.

Almost.

Hitler's Mustache is relentlessly modernist. It's relentlessly high concept. It's relentlessly repetitive. It's relentless.

I understand why the person who recommended it to me enjoyed reading it. Peter Davis isn't a hack. There are a few poems in here that, were I to have experienced them individually, or as part of a collection that wasn't comprised only of poems called "Hitler's Mustache (subtitle)", I think I might have enjoyed them. But the act of reading the collection bored me. So much so that I realized I would never read the book again. I tried to think of someone other than the person who suggested it who might enjoy the work, and I couldn't. So I took it to one of the used bookstores in town and placed it on the shelves, hoping someone drawn to the book would find it and then be pleasantly surprised when the bookstore sold it to them inexpensively, what with it not being in their computer.

As of last week, however, it was still there.

[Maryam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and clever if not a bit dull at times, but The idea itself and the execution of it is quite remarkable. worth the read.

[Rebecca Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unsure of what to expect, I opened Peter Davis' collection of poems only to be faced with the poem "Hitler's Mustache (The intersection of fashion and fascism): The List of Facts" and I immediately fell in love. After the list-style poem mentioned above, Davis explores a majority of poetic styles, from sestinas to prose poetry. He uses the well-known and inflammatory image of Hitler (and, of course, his mustache) in every poem until the image loses its power. No longer is it something that inspires rage and fear but it becomes the subject of the abstract and surreal.

Davis' poems range from absolutely hilarious to almost disturbing and his willingness to experiment with multiple styles of poetry makes this collection diverse and entertaining. He's not bound by a specific style, and is thus allowed some artistic breathing room despite his narrow subject.

[Claudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of the poems echo Max Jacobs and Russell Edson (who is referenced in one). Interesting concept but tough to finish despite the bright spots.

[Charmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clever, but a little bit goes a loooong way.

[Michael Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite books of poetry I read in 2008.

Article regarding this and my other favorite books and chapbooks to be published in upcoming issue of O&S.

[Shaun Gannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

technically this would be a 4.5 (1/2 pt off for not enough mustaching the allegory of mustache-as-Mustache)

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The idea of a book of poetry from the perspective of Hitler's mustache holds up surprisingly well. that alone merits four stars.

[Biscuits · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playful and clever. Sometimes a little tiresome. I love the mix-mash of forms.

[heel grabber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny and interesting experiment.

Worth reading.

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Add two stars if you like poetry. I wouldn't be able to describe the book better than this review: http://www.dharlanwilson.com/dreampeo...

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was expecting more. I thought the layout was distracting. Also, a lot of the titles felt like I was being spoon fed.