If Language

by Gregory Betts

Gregory Betts’ If Language takes the one-time parlour game of the anagram to its evolutionary extreme – constructing 56 paragraph-long perfect anagrams of an original seed-text. Each poem is exactly 525 letters; the same letters that echo throughout the book is radically different forms. If Language asks the what are the limits of individuality within a closed system? Betts uses his own experiences, relationships and uncertainties to explore this question – with humour, with intellect, and with a manic obsession capable of turning a simple game into this wildly original exploration. ‘If language can be nihilistic in its wit, if language can be simplistic in its fun – then this book truly uncovers all the ‘abracadabras’ hidden deep a million ages ago within even the most unmagical of all grammatical limitations.’ - Christian Bök.

Genres: Poetry

First published June 1, 2005

Reviews

[Trish · Rating 2 out of 5]

I helped teach this book in an undergraduate English course and it was pretty hit or miss. Although I found his ability to play with language quite amusing at first, I found I had a headache by the time I finished the section. Most students hated it, and I can certainly see why. Probably best if you truly enjoy contemporary poetry. Personally, I would rather read Keats.