The Milky Way: Poems 1967-1982

by Jon Anderson

Poems explore the nature of memory and portray the author's feelings of loneliness, uncertainty, and love

Genres: Poetry

177 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Jon Anderson was an American poet. He published seven books of poetry, including Day Moon (2001), The Milky Way: Poems 1967–1982 (1983), Death & Friends (1970), which was nominated for the National Book Award, and Looking for Jonathan (1968).

He was the recipient of a fellowship from the Guggenheim Foundation, two awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Poetry Society of America’s Shelley Memorial Award.

Reviews

[GD · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had rated this 4/5, because I'm not fond of selected works and I love Anderson's first three books better. But the Milky Way collects so many great poems. Several previously unpublished are here, including the great title poem, and I've come to realize now that the book has its own internal logic that is distinctive from his other books. He remains one of my favorite poets.

[Stacy McCullough. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not enjoy his newest poems in this collection. He went too traditional for me and the rhyming was so evident it ruined any type of read. But his earlier work, especially 1968, was at times stunning.

[Douglas Treem · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first three books were fantastic.
After that , the wires were frayed somehow, the power kept shorting out . Saw him read in Iowa City , 71 or 72 , I would have been 20 or 21 , I thought that he was great and so he was and remains , I don't think that anyone has advanced the ball any further since .Myself included .

[Gary McDowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found a copy in the library. Still want to buy it ASAP though.

12/20/07: Stayed up till 3am last night. Read the whole thing in one sitting. Incredible. So sad I waited this long to read him... and also glad I found him later in my apprenticeship. It makes me realize there are A LOT of poets out there for me to discover still! I still want to buy this... will try to find it used. I have to own it!

[David Marrinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant writing! Anderson's poetry prodded me to attempt something different and although I'm not too sure about the temporary errand I ran, I appreciate the push.