B 0 0 K S
131
posed in a new way and until they are we shall have statements in terms
of established forms but nothing worthy of the name of movement.
This being the case, Mr. Laughlin's experiments are rather nostalgic,
not new directions but merely survivals. It is hard not to conclude that
writers who continue to produce noth,ing' else have simply failed to
mature. Mr. Laughlin, himself, in his preface speaks authoritatively
concerning things about which he obviously knows little-witness his
charming faith in something like social credit as a cure for the ills of
the world. A more characteristic case in point is Paul Goodman. Im–
mensely talented, he always promises more than he achieves; one has
the feeling that he has become a professional New Directions writer.
Despite these reservations, there is a place for a collection like this one.
As long as creative work of integrity is backed up against the wall by
the machinery of mass production and the merchandizing system of
quantity at the expense of quality, there can never be enough outlets
for sincere writing. It is to be hoped, however, that Mr. Laughlin will
reconsider his standards of selection.
In discussing a collection of this sort it is impossible to avoid cata–
loguing. Let us, therefore, divide a few goats from the sheep.
Klein's poetry indicates that Joyce is now being read in Canada.
Kramer's burlesques of hearings on bills are not as funny as actual
quotes from such hearings.
There seems to be no reason for reading the prose of either Meyer
Liben or C. Dilworth.
Brinnin continues to uphold the tradition of dullness to which he
has already made notable contributions.
Patchen has just discovered Guillaume Appolinaire's
Calligrammes.
R. Y. Zachery-more of the pretentious philosophizing which lately
seems to do duty for poetry.
June Cannan-more of the incoherent symbolism wh;.ch lately seems
to do duty for poetry.
One conclusion to be drawn from the forgoing is that there is little
readable American poetry in the volume. This is perhaps symptomatic
of the present state of poetry in the United States. There are, however,
a few contributions that are more rewarding.
Rexroth's long associative meditation on man and society has agree–
able passages. It is doubtful if the whole has sufficient tension to remain
continually on the level of poetry.
Maud Hutchins' play,
The Case of Astrolabe,
is wholly charming
for its lyrical and metaphysical wit.
Chauncey Hackett's freudian fantasy, while not new, is successfully
ironical.
W. C. Williams contributes a poem which is typical and satisfying
Williams.
Weldon Kees has a group of poems notable for a well sharpened
