William Stafford Libri

"In our time there has been no poet who revived human hearts and spirits more convincingly than William Stafford.” —Naomi Shihab NyeSome time when the river is ice ask memistakes I have made. Ask me whetherwhat I have done is my life.     —from Ask MeIn celebration of the poet’s centennial, Ask Me collects one hundred of William Stafford’s essential poems. As a conscientious objector during World War II, while assigned to Civilian Public Service camps Stafford began his daily writing practice, a lifelong early-morning ritual of witness. His poetry reveals the consequences of violence, the daily necessity of moral decisions, and the bounty of art. Selected and with a note by Kim Stafford, Ask Me presents the best from a profound and original American voice.

Focusing on the first industrial revolution in Britain, this study explores the radical social criticism that emerged during this transformative period. Dr. Stafford provides a comprehensive overview of the historical and cultural context, illustrating how intellectual developments influenced social debates. He examines ten prominent critics, including Thomas Spence and William Cobbett, analyzing key texts to reveal their arguments and historical significance. This work aims to revive the neglected tradition of social thought that shaped modern perspectives on society, contributing to literature and intellectual history studies.

Born the year World War I began, acclaimed poet William Stafford (1914-1993) spent World War II in a camp for conscientious objectors. Throughout a century of conflict he remained convinced that wars simply don’t work. In his writings, Stafford showed it is possible—and crucial—to think independently when fanatics act, and to speak for reconciliation when nations take sides. He believed it was a failure of imagination to only see two options: to fight or to run away. This book gathers the evidence of a lifetime’s commitment to nonviolence, including an account of Stafford’s near-hanging at the hands of American patriots. In excerpts from his daily journal from 1951-1991, Stafford uses questions, alternative views of history, lyric invitations, and direct assessments of our political habits to suggest another way than war. Many of these statements are published here for the first time, together with a generous selection of Stafford’s pacifist poems and interviews from elusive sources. Stafford provides an alternative approach to a nation’s military habit, aggressive instincts, and our legacy of armed ventures in Europe, the Pacific, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and beyond.

The book delves into the writings of sixteen notable British women from the 1790s, exploring their perspectives on love, sexual desire, and marriage. It highlights their views on domestic roles and participation in the public sphere, while also addressing themes of gender, female abilities, sensibility, and genius. This comprehensive survey reveals the diverse thoughts and experiences of women during a pivotal period in history, offering insights into their radical and conservative viewpoints.

Exploring the intensity and innocence of young love, this narrative captures the emotional depth and passion that often accompany first relationships. Through evocative language and poignant imagery, the author delves into the complexities of youthful romance, making it relatable and heartfelt. The work reflects the universal themes of longing, connection, and the bittersweet nature of love, showcasing the poet's ability to resonate with readers of all ages.

Set against the backdrop of Victorian London, a serial killer targets prostitutes, leaving Inspector John Kipper perplexed. Meanwhile, Damien Deacus, the sidekick of an enigmatic doctor, finds himself entangled in trouble. William Stafford weaves a unique blend of humor, horror, and steampunk elements in this historical fantasy, creating a narrative rich with gruesome crime and comedic twists.

William Staffords Werk behandelt die weit verbreiteten Klagen in der Bevölkerung und bietet einen tiefen Einblick in die gesellschaftlichen Probleme des späten 19. Jahrhunderts. Durch drei Gespräche wird die Perspektive der Menschen auf ihre Sorgen und Nöte beleuchtet, was zu einer kritischen Auseinandersetzung mit den sozialen und politischen Bedingungen der Zeit führt. Der Nachdruck der Originalausgabe aus 1895 ermöglicht es, diese wichtigen Themen in ihrem historischen Kontext zu erfassen und die Relevanz der Diskussionen für die heutige Zeit zu erkennen.