James Ragan Libri

In the Talking Hours, James Ragan's first book of poems -- originally published in 1979 -- unleashes its raw energy and emotional power like a collection of classic paintings brought forth in a new retrospective. Hailed by Josephine Miles as the work of "an authoritative voice who will be recognized as an important voice", this distinguished collection is imbued with the social turbulence of the times and the emotions of a young poet coming to terms with his family, mortality, and the absurdities of modernity.

This collection showcases the exceptional talent of a world-renowned lyricist, featuring a range of poignant and evocative poems. The work delves into themes of love, loss, and the human experience, offering readers a deep emotional resonance. Each piece reflects the artist's unique voice and mastery of language, inviting readers to explore the nuances of life through beautifully crafted verses. This collection is a testament to the lyricist's enduring impact on contemporary poetry.

First printing, a trade paperback, issued simultaneously with hardcover. His second collection of poems (also preceded by several plays) - one which Yevtushenko called a "testament to universal brotherhood." 59 pp.

Exploring the themes of nationalism and cultural identity, this poetry collection reflects on the 1992 Los Angeles riots and the division of Czechoslovakia. Through metaphorically rich language, the author examines the concept of borders—political, racial, and economic—highlighting the unexpected similarities between these two tumultuous events. The poems delve into the complexities of a world marked by shifting identities and the growing divide between wealth and poverty, ultimately revealing the explosive nature of these societal changes.

Praise for James Ragan's Poetry:"James Ragan's poems spare no passion in believing they sing."Seamus Heaney Nobel Prize Winner"Ragan dominates the art of image, the art of poetic line, and the art of poetic narration with insight that marks major poets."Miroslav Holub Nobel Prize Nominee"James Ragan's poems are satisfying and distinctive, full of arresting collocations and striking phrases."Richard Wilbur U.S. Poet Laureate"I admire James Ragan's sense of history and, within that, his instinct to praise."Jean Valentine National Book Award Winner"Fine-grained and witty, a remarkable range of history, thematic variety, and tonal dexterity."C.K. Williams Pulitzer Prize Winner"James Ragan is a snake charmer whosewords work real magic."Henry Taylor Pulitzer Prize Winner"In Jim Ragan's poetry, there is a lyrical wisdom. It is this juxtaposition that makes his work so exhilarating."Studs Terkel Pulitzer Prize Winner

Poems of nature, love, jazz, family, and history from a Los Angeles poet.

Svazek obsahuje verše současného amerického básníka, scénáristy a dramatika, které kromě intimních reflexí přinášejí i jeho postřehy z cest. Vůbec se zdá, že autorovo putování po nejrůznějších kontinentech se stává jedním z "hnacích motorů" jeho poetiky, která se svým pojetím hlásí spíše ke všednímu, až civilnímu tónu. Tato koncepce pak dává Raganovi možnost, aby se konkrétně vyjádřil k nejrůznějším historickým či společenským problémům určité země, kterou právě navštívil. V tomto básnickém souboru se do centra autorova zájmu dostaly dva sousední státy uprostřed Evropy - Čechy a Slovensko. Zatímco u druhého z nich se Ragan pokouší navázat především na tradici lidových balad, první z nich ho doslova "uhranul" nepřeberným množstvím kulturních památek, mýty i pověstmi, bohatou architekturou i dějinnými rozpory. Snad i proto Ragan tvrdí, že píše poezii, aby "pohnul myslí králů a popíchl svědomí společnosti".