The Truth of Poetry

by Michael Hamburger

In The Truth of Poetry, Michael Hamburger delves into the intricate relationship between poetry, truth, and the creative process. He explores the unpredictable nature of poetry, shaped by both internal and external influences, while reflecting on the enduring challenges faced by poets since Baudelaire. Hamburger asserts that poetry remains a constant pursuit of archetypes, addressing timeless themes and truths despite evolving contexts.

As described on the back cover:

"Poetry is a seeking and a finding of the unpredictable, within limits and conditions beyond the poet’s control... If poetry now is in a state of crisis, so it has been ever since Baudelaire."

Hamburger emphasizes the paradoxical connection between beauty and truth in poetry, stating:

"The necessary interrelationship of beauty and truth in poetry remains tantalizingly paradoxical, if not mysterious."

This thought-provoking exploration invites readers to reconsider the significance of poetic expression in capturing the complexities of human experience.

Book details:

Title: The truth of poetry

Author: Michael Hamburger

Condition: Good. Chipped (dustjacket, right corner, front)

Binding: Hardcover

Publisher: Helen and Kurt Wolff

Publication Date: 1969