The House of Sages

By Philip Terman

Poetry. Jewish Studies. In this revised first collection of poetry the Terman's speaker carries himself without skin, absorbing the particulars of the human struggles in its many dogged and eloquent forms, and recording it with capacious empathy. The writing is rich with the need to convey his confrontations and affections, and not simply in the striking detail but in the whole moment of his memory. Terman's poems, like those of James Wright, have a down-to-earth mysticism, a hard-earned spirituality which cuts through the haze of everyday. This collection is remarkable for its range, depth, and mature vision. Terman captures the heart of people, and the heart of places.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1595390081
• ISBN13: 9781595390080
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Mammoth Books
• Length: 151 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.5" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

House of Sages Sings

This book is an incredible find! Mr. Terman's sense of personal history does a rare thing: it becomes universal. His poems range from hysterically funny (Last of the Hippies) to moving and profound (The House of Sages, The Oldest Brother Lesson in the World). He is like a young Philip Levine but better: more full of his own life and its humor and deep sorrow, yet somehow sticking always to the music of a lovley line while avoiding taking "himself" too seriously. High art. I think this guy is going places. I love this book! Bravo. There's a terrific review in Poetry magazine that led me to read this. I recommend that too.

Terman's collection of poems bring out the beauty of life.

Dr. Philip Terman explores the meaning of life in every page of The House of Sages, through his own delight and pain, and those experiences of family, prisoners, animals, strangers, and acquaintances. Written from his heart, this collection of poems will uplift everyone. His words bring beauty into a used car lot and his memories from childhood are enchanting. Terman ties the richness of his heritage with wholesome predictions for the future. His meditations reach deep into his soul as his words add joy to nature.

Should be on every poet lover's book shelf!

Philip Terman does it again. The House of Sages collects jewels of moving, sensitive, inimitable poetry into one priceless volume. Terman's broad understanding of the finer elements of life is made evident by the subject matter of his poetry - slate roofs, for example. This book is a collector's item that should be in the library of every poetry lover. Terman may well be the Walt Whitman or Henry Longfellow of the late 20th century.