The Poetry of Asher Reich: Portrait of a Hebrew Poet
The Poetry of Asher Reich: Portrait of a Hebrew Poet
by Yair Mazor illustrated by Michael Kovner contributions by Asher Reich
University of Wisconsin Press, 2004 Paper: 978-0-299-18154-3 | eISBN: 978-0-299-18153-6 | Cloth: 978-0-299-18150-5 Library of Congress Classification PJ5054.R389Z63 2003 Dewey Decimal Classification 892.416
ABOUT THIS BOOK | AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY | REVIEWS | TOC | REQUEST ACCESSIBLE FILE
ABOUT THIS BOOK
A rich union of image and word, this striking book introduces English-speaking audiences to a full range of poetry by Asher Reich, one of Israel’s most celebrated contemporary poets, paired with evocative drawings by renowned Israeli artist Michael Kovner. Yair Mazor, a leading scholar of Hebrew literature, provides readers with an introduction to Reich’s work and its prominent position within the panorama of modern literature in Hebrew.
Asher Reich’s poetry has been characterized as vivid, vibrant, passionate, and expressionistic. Dominated by themes of stormy sensuality and frank sexuality, his dramatic imagery and metaphors interweave Mishnaic, Talmudic, and Biblical references in a colorful, complex poetic texture. The beautiful simplicity of Kovner’s drawings—depicting female figures and natural landscapes—resonates throughout the book. Tender, stark, and striking, the drawings illustrate life’s fragility and grace with a subtlety and dignity that complements Reich’s sensitive style.
Presenting contemporary Hebrew poetry, modern Israeli art, and informed literary commentary in an engaging format, this book promises to delight a broad audience of readers.
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Yair Mazor established the certificate program in Jewish Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and is professor of Hebrew and Biblical literature. He was among the founders of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Center for Jewish Studies and acted as the first director. Mazor is the author of fourteen books published in the United States, Israel, and Europe, including Pain, Pining, and Pine Trees: Contemporary Hebrew Poetry, also available from the University of Wisconsin Press. He was awarded a National award, "The most distinguished scholar of Hebrew Studies in the United States in 1998" (Friedman Prize) and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee’s Most Distinguished Teaching Award (1999).
REVIEWS
"This introduction to Asher Reich’s poetry is properly balanced between thoughtful critical commentary and careful selection of poems. . . . A first-rate contemporary Hebrew poet is served well by a first-rate literary critic."—Zev Garber, president emeritus, National Association of Professors of Hebrew
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<table of contents, p. vii>
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations ix
Asher Reich: No Fear of Flame 3
Michael Kovner: A Painter of Many Colors, or, Abstract Does Not Live Here Anymore 000
To Be or Not to Be Is Not the Question: How to Be and How Not to Be Is Both the Question and the Answer 000
Forever Faithful to Fervent Flame, yet Never Lacking for Love: Asher Reich's Poetic Portrait and Its Prominent Role in Contemporary Hebrew Poetry 000
The Poetry of Asher Reich: Anthology 000
Index of Names 000
Index of Titles 000
Library of Congress Subject Headings for this publication: Reich, Asher, 1937- Criticism and interpretation
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