Economy of the Unlost

This insightful work connects the ancient poet Simonides with modern poet Paul Celan, exploring themes of language, loss, and poetic economy.

In Economy of the Unlost, Anne Carson embarks on a profound exploration of poetic economy by examining the works of Simonides of Keos and Paul Celan. The ancient Greek poet Simonides was notable for being the first in the Western tradition to accept payment for his poetry, a practice that invites critical reflection on the value of words. Carson poses essential questions: What is lost when words are wasted? Who benefits when words are preserved? Through these inquiries, she uncovers striking parallels between the two poets, each navigating their own unique historical and cultural landscapes.

The book begins by framing Simonides and Celan as figures caught between two worlds. Simonides faced the transition from a gift economy to one driven by monetary exchange, while Celan, a Holocaust survivor, grappled with the dislocation of language in post-war Europe. Carson’s analysis extends to the genre of the epitaph, revealing how both poets articulate the relationship between the living and the dead. She thoughtfully examines how the physicality of inscription influenced Simonides' concise style, drawing a comparison to Celan’s focus on the 'negative design' of printmaking, where each poet adeptly eliminates the superfluous.

Ultimately, Economy of the Unlost serves as a rich tapestry of scholarship and poetry, illuminating the contrasts and connections between Simonides' faith in language and Celan's despair. Carson's unique voice, blending rigorous academic analysis with poetic sensibility, makes this work a compelling read that resonates deeply with themes of loss, memory, and the enduring power of words.