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The Compass Flower
Love poems and vividly sensuous poems about the city, the material world, and their transformations are included in a verse collection by the Pulitzer Prize-winning American writer
- GenresPoetry
94 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
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About the author
W.S. Merwin
192 books347 followersWilliam Stanley Merwin was an American poet, credited with over fifty books of poetry, translation and prose.
William Stanley Merwin (September 30, 1927 – March 15, 2019) was an American poet who wrote more than fifty books of poetry and prose, and produced many works in translation. During the 1960s anti-war movement, Merwin's unique craft was thematically characterized by indirect, unpunctuated narration. In the 1980s and 1990s, his writing influence derived from an interest in Buddhist philosophy and deep ecology. Residing in a rural part of Maui, Hawaii, he wrote prolifically and was dedicated to the restoration of the island's rainforests.
Merwin received many honors, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1971 and 2009; the National Book Award for Poetry in 2005, and the Tanning Prize—one of the highest honors bestowed by the Academy of American Poets—as well as the Golden Wreath of the Struga Poetry Evenings. In 2010, the Library of Congress named him the 17th United States Poet Laureate.
William Stanley Merwin (September 30, 1927 – March 15, 2019) was an American poet who wrote more than fifty books of poetry and prose, and produced many works in translation. During the 1960s anti-war movement, Merwin's unique craft was thematically characterized by indirect, unpunctuated narration. In the 1980s and 1990s, his writing influence derived from an interest in Buddhist philosophy and deep ecology. Residing in a rural part of Maui, Hawaii, he wrote prolifically and was dedicated to the restoration of the island's rainforests.
Merwin received many honors, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1971 and 2009; the National Book Award for Poetry in 2005, and the Tanning Prize—one of the highest honors bestowed by the Academy of American Poets—as well as the Golden Wreath of the Struga Poetry Evenings. In 2010, the Library of Congress named him the 17th United States Poet Laureate.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 1, 2019
A serious contender for Merwin's best collection. And that's saying a lot.
December 12, 2021
This made me realize I might not actually be as into naturalistic poetry as I think I am. There are some interesting ideas here, but very little of the imagery grabbed me and it all reads a little vapid to me. A lot of beating around the bush while still not saying a lot. Again, there were some good poems here but you can say that about any poetry book I think. There was an interesting moment where Merwin switches gears and uses his naturalistic style within a city space, but then it quickly returns back to the country where I thought the poems were the weasest.
October 14, 2008
Not finished yet, but enjoying.
July 11, 2016
Is there any doubt he's the greatest living poet?
January 12, 2014
Delicate, romantic, natural.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews