The Ends of the Earth

By W.S. Merwin

Book Overview

W. S. Merwin is widely acknowledged as one of the finest living poets in English. Less well known is the power and range of his work in prose. For his first new prose collection in more than ten years, The Ends of the Earth, Merwin has gathered eight essays that show the breadth of his imagination and sympathy. A memoir of George Kirstein, publisher of "The Nation," stands alongside one of Sydney Parkinson, explorer, naturalist and artist on Captain James Cook's Endeavour. A wonderful portrait of the French explorer of Hawai'i, Jean-Francois Galaup de La Perouse is followed by a visit to the Neanderthal skeleton of Boffia Bonneval. There are treks through the Hawaiian forests, to the Holy Mountain of Athos, and with the butterflies in Mexico. For this magical and wondrous journey we have as our guide the excited and concise poet-naturalist, writing at the top of his form.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1593760302
• ISBN13: 9781593760304
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: Counterpoint LLC
• Length: 278 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

A very gratifying book.

The book consists of a series of essays by the poet W.S. Merwyn. Some of the journeys herein are rambles, and you're not quite sure where Mr. Merwyn is headed. The last paragraph of each, however, ties it all together, and sends your mind a-reeling. A most worthwhile read by a master!