Gypsy Guitar

by David W. McFadden

David McFadden has set for himself, in this sequence of one hundred poems, a task both breathtaking in its scope and stunning in its accomplishment. By echoing with his gypsy guitar the troubadour tradition of the Languedoc, the great sonnet sequences of Petrarch and Shakespeare, the redefinitions of beauty and truth of the romantics, and the distractions and fragments of the post-moderns, he has created a celebration of the beloved in which recognition, intelligence and wit illuminate each sentimental, awkward, humorous, everyday moment. The elements of romance and betrayal in these poems shine through the darkness of their passion with a lucid, conscious attentiveness seldom seen since the great renaissance poets.

Genres: Poetry

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.

David William McFadden was a Canadian poet, fiction writer, and travel writer. The author of 35 books of poetry, fiction and travel writing, McFadden started publishing poetry in 1958 and has been previously shortlisted for the 2008 Griffin Poetry Prize, as well as for three Governor General's Awards. He won the 2013 Griffin Poetry Prize for his collection What's the Score?

Reviews

[Laurie Siblock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read one or two of these poems every morning for several months. It was a great way to start the day, and McFadden reminded me, through his ability to see poetry in everyday occurrences and the little things of life, to be awake to the world around me. And when I forgot as I often do, he was right there the next morning with the next poem to remind me again. I'm on the lookout for my next David W. McFadden book to infuse my days with humour-filled meaning.