Author Description

Water Row Press Is pleased to announce publication of a new edition of The Circus of the Sun By Robert Lax Illustrated by Henry Denander A monumental milestone in American poetry and originally published in 1959, "The Circus of the Sun" is a majestic poetry cycle by American poet Robert Lax. It consists of a cycle of 31 short poems that tell the story of a traveling circus. The poem follows a day in the life of a circus as they arrive in a new town, set up, rehearse, perform and take down the circus. It is arranged according to the phases of the day (morning, afternoon, evening, the midway, and night) which deliberately align with the canonical hours and the title alludes to the song written by Francis of Assisi, "Canticle of the Sun." Lax used his own experience traveling with the Cristiani Brothers Circus, where he would sometimes perform as a clown as inspiration for the poem. In writing about the circus Lax is able to write about theological ideas of creation and Christian allegory. Widely considered his best poem, The Circus of the Sun marks the conclusion of the early, lyrical phase of Lax's career before he started writing experimental, minimalist poetry. Beautifully designed and printed by Markus Hartel at Raghaus Studios in Newburgh, New York and handbound by Bill Roberts at Bottle of Smoke Press, this new edition of The Circus of the Sun is masterfully illustrated by Swedish artist, Henry Denander. Limited to an edition of 100 handbound hardcover copies numbered and signed by the artist, the book measures 9” x 12” - 60 pages - white binding - Illustrated in color. About The “Robert Lax (1915-2000) was a poet with a singular vision and style whose quest to live an authentic life as both an artist and a spiritual seeker inspired Thomas Merton, Jack Kerouac, William Maxwell and countless others. Known in the U.S. primarily as Merton’s best friend and in Europe as a daringly original avant-garde poet.