Ritsos in Parentheses

Yannis Ritsos's Ritsos in Parentheses captures the evolution of his poetry over three decades, exploring themes of isolation and the longing for connection.

In Ritsos in Parentheses, the works of Yannis Ritsos are brought to life through translations of three significant volumes of his poetry. Ritsos, often regarded as one of Greece's most important poets, follows in the footsteps of literary giants like Cavafy, Sikelianos, and Seferis. His poetry is characterized by a dramatic and symbolic exploration of life's tragic dimensions, providing a profound glimpse into the human experience. The three collections featured—Parentheses, 1946-47, Parentheses, 1950-61, and The Distant, 1975—chronicle a thirty-year evolution of Ritsos's poetic sensibility, showcasing his nuanced perceptions at various stages of his life.

Edmund Keeley, in his introduction, elucidates the significance of the book's title, suggesting that the parentheses symbolize a yearning for connection amidst isolation. The imagery of hands reaching out yet failing to meet encapsulates the essence of Ritsos's work, where the struggle for human contact is a recurring theme. As readers journey through the volumes, they will notice a shift in Ritsos's vision; the distance between the parentheses narrows in the earlier collections, while the later works reveal an almost infinite space, highlighting the stark beauty of his evolving landscape.

Originally published in 1979, Ritsos in Parentheses is now available through the Princeton Legacy Library, which aims to preserve and enhance access to important scholarly works. This edition ensures that Ritsos's powerful voice continues to resonate with contemporary audiences, allowing readers to appreciate the stylistic purity and emotional depth that mark his poetic greatness.