From Library Journal
When Caedmon originally produced these recordings, in the 1950s, they were on vinyl. Remastering them for cassette brings with it the question of how attentive potential listeners are going to be. And for Cummings and Pound, it's important that people listen closely. Cummings's voice is melodic, but those unfamiliar with his poems on the page will miss much of the subtle play with words that has become his trademark. Pound is, arguably, the finest poet here, but even his narrative portraits are speckled with foreign phrases, and there aren't clear demarcations between poems, further confusing the listener. It's therefore not surprising that this package contains only one cassette. Sandburg, who considered himself a populist poet, addressing the people much as an orator would, is actually better heard than read. All his finest longer works are here, including a more than generous selection from "The People, Yes." Keep in mind that these tapes were culled from several different recordings, so there are wide variances in tone, pitch, and quality. Sandburg is highly recommended; the other two are for larger collections. Rochelle Ratner, formerly with "Soho Weekly News," New York Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
Pound reads five poems, including HUGH SELWYN MAUBERLY, and eight cantos (I, IV, XXXVI, LXXXIV, XLV, LI, LXXVI, XCIX). This recording will be of great interest to Pound enthusiasts, and perhaps to teachers and students, but may have limited appeal for the general listener. This reviewer found the author's cadence, especially in the cantos, surprising and illuminating. This is the way Pound intended to be read, and one might not intuit his intentions from the printed texts. R.E.K. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine


"Pound ... made friends and enemies everywhere by the simple exercise of the classic American constitutional right of free speech."

Book Description
Ezra Pound's inspirational sway over twentieth century poetry remains unquestioned to this day. Ezra Pound Reads offers a rare opportunity to witness the vision of this awe-inspiring, intensely polemical artist.The Cantos were Pound's most ambitious poetic project. He began writing this series of poems in 1913 and continued to work on them until his death. These complex and lyrical incantations explore the writer's disappointment in the imperfections of man. his hatred of war and commercialism, and his ongoing interest in economic concerns.Pound's ideas and searing vision are beautifully showcased in this audio, portions of which were recorded at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, D.C, where, Pound was as held after lie was accused of treason, but judged not to be of sound mind to stand trial.

About the Author
Poet, Editor, and critic, Ezra Pound, was one of the most influential voices in twentieth century poetry. He was a leader of the Imagist movement which stressed clarity of image and metaphor, and he attempted to free poetic writing from forced style and rhetoric.

ANNOTATION

Pound reads from his most ambitious poetic project, through which he explores his hatred of war, disappointment in mans' imperfections, and more. 2 cassettes.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Ezra Pound's inspirational sway over twentieth century poetry remains unquestioned to this day. Ezra Pound Reads offers a rare opportunity to witness the vision of this awe-inspiring, intensely polemical artist.

The Cantos were Pound's most ambitious poetic project. He began writing this series of poems in 1913 and continued to work on them until his death. These complex and lyrical incantations explore the writer's disappointment in the imperfections of man. his hatred of war and commercialism, and his ongoing interest in economic concerns.

Pound's ideas and searing vision are beautifully showcased in this audio, portions of which were recorded at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, D.C, where, Pound was as held after lie was accused of treason, but judged not to be of sound mind to stand trial.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

When Caedmon originally produced these recordings, in the 1950s, they were on vinyl. Remastering them for cassette brings with it the question of how attentive potential listeners are going to be. And for Cummings and Pound, it's important that people listen closely. Cummings's voice is melodic, but those unfamiliar with his poems on the page will miss much of the subtle play with words that has become his trademark. Pound is, arguably, the finest poet here, but even his narrative portraits are speckled with foreign phrases, and there aren't clear demarcations between poems, further confusing the listener. It's therefore not surprising that this package contains only one cassette. Sandburg, who considered himself a populist poet, addressing the people much as an orator would, is actually better heard than read. All his finest longer works are here, including a more than generous selection from "The People, Yes." Keep in mind that these tapes were culled from several different recordings, so there are wide variances in tone, pitch, and quality. Sandburg is highly recommended; the other two are for larger collections. Rochelle Ratner, formerly with "Soho Weekly News," New York Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

AudioFile