Robert Duncan

This first volume of Robert Duncan's collected works showcases his early poetry and prose, tracing his development as a significant American poet.

This landmark publication in twentieth-century American poetry marks the first volume of the long-awaited collected works of Robert Duncan. It encompasses his poetry, non-critical prose, and plays, compiling all of Duncan’s books and magazine contributions up to and including Letters: Poems 1953–1956. The deft editing of this collection allows readers to trace the evolution of Duncan's writing as he develops toward the remarkable works of his middle period.

Among the celebrated pieces included in this volume are Medieval Scenes and The Venice Poem, alongside major dramatic works that have long been unavailable. The collection also features Duncan’s extensive “imitations” of Gertrude Stein, as well as a series of remarkable poems inspired by collaged paste-ups created by his life-long partner, the painter Jess. The books are arranged in chronological order, providing a clear view of Duncan’s literary journey, while uncollected works are also organized chronologically, enhancing the understanding of his early contributions.

The introduction offers a biographical commentary that sheds light on Duncan’s formative years and early works, guiding readers through the complexities of his initial writing. Additionally, notes throughout the volume provide brief insights into each book and many poems, enriching the reading experience. The subsequent volume, The Collected Later Poetry and Plays, promises to include significant works from Duncan's later career, further expanding the understanding of his literary legacy.