The Defiant Muse: German Feminist Poems from the Middl: A Bilingual Anthology

by Susan L. Cocalis (Editor)

Overview

Each bilingual volume in The Defiant Muse series includes 60 to 80 poems by both well-known and rediscovered poets, selected on the basis of their individual merit and as illustrations of the evolution of feminist thought and feeling.

 

Reflecting their own cultural milieus as well as enduring themes, the poets write of love and friendship, revolution and peace, religion, nature, isolation, work, and family. The Dutch, French, German, and Italian volumes represent their respective countries; the Hispanic volume includes poems from the many Spanish-speaking nations; and the Hebrew volume encompasses writing in Hebrew from around the world. The poems are presented in their original languages alongside English translations. Each volume includes an introduction, placing the poetry in historical and aesthetic perspective, and full biographical and bibliographical notes on the poets.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780935312492
Publisher:	Feminist Press at CUNY, The
Publication date:	01/01/1993
Series:	The Defiant Muse Series
Edition description:	Revised ed.
Pages:	163
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.70(d)
Language:	German

Editorial Reviews

This anthology, one of four in a series on feminist poetry see above for French and Hispanic volumes, below for Italian is a good idea, but like all anthologies it leaves us wanting more poems by fewer poets. Its value lies in the introduction or rediscovery of poets dating back to the 13th century. In fact, very few of these poets are familiar, and hearing their strong voices is important. Transcending class, culture, and time, they share themes of abandonment, nurturing, anger, love, and power. Addressing her ailing eagle, von Droste-Hulshoff (19th c.) sings ``O, bird if only you were just a hen,/ You could live in a stove vent.'' Kolmar (20th c.) reechoes this sentiment: ``I too am a continent. I have unexplored mountains. . . .'' Rosaly DeMaios Roffman, English Dept., Indiana Univ. of Pennsylvania

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