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Born in New York in 1960, Eva Salzman published her first book of poetry, The English Earthquake, in 1992. Bargain with the Watchman, her second book of poems, is daring with language, alternately sexy, sassy, outspoken, and clever. Her energy, vitality, and capacity for satire persist in bold, candid poetry, often disconcerting, always compelling and controlled. This selection includes a two sequences, one of which, Masques, is a subversive look at the Muses, seen in crossed-dressed guise.
Eva Salzman presents a collection of poems that interrogate identity, gender, and social artifice through a sharp, satirical lens. The poet navigates the complexities of modern existence by employing a voice that is both candid and technically precise. Through various poetic forms, she challenges traditional archetypes, most notably in the sequence 'Masques,' which reinterprets the Muses through a subversive, cross-dressed perspective. The work functions as a series of observations on the friction between personal desire and public expectation.
Readers and critics frequently highlight the technical precision and linguistic energy present throughout the collection. Discussion often centers on the poet's ability to balance a sassy, outspoken tone with a rigorous adherence to poetic structure. Many observers note that the inclusion of the 'Masques' sequence provides a focal point for debates regarding gender roles and the subversion of classical tropes. The work is widely recognized for its capacity to remain both intellectually demanding and accessible in its satirical intent. Readers often appreciate the consistency of the poet's voice as it shifts between different thematic concerns.
Page Count:
64
Publication Date:
1999-09-01
Publisher:
Carcanet Press Ltd.
ISBN-10:
0192832573
ISBN-13:
9780192832573
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