Anne Carson Summary

Albert Einstein credited his discovery of fundamental laws of the universe to his ability to ask the simple questions. Much the same can be said of Anne Carson, who in her poetry and essays asks quest... Read more

In the following review, Davenport asserts that Eros the Bittersweet is a “brilliant essay” and observes that Carson's writing “teaches us ancient verities in a bright new ... Read more

In the following review, Hamilton discusses Carson's experimental use of genre and form in Plainwater and Glass, Irony and God, arguing that both volumes “accomplish the enormous task of... Read more

In the following review, Pettingell argues that Men in the Off Hours remains a highly original and coherent poetic work, despite the wide variety of forms in which Carson writes. It is too soon to ... Read more

In the following interview, Carson discusses her background and education, her body of work, and the complexities of the publication process. At poet Anne Carson's house in the Berkeley hill... Read more

In the following essay, Zinnes explores the recurring themes of fear, language, and time throughout Carson's oeuvre, noting the author's preoccupation with postmodern elements in her wri... Read more

In the following review, Balmer lauds Carson's original poetic voice in Men in the Off Hours and commends the volume for breaking down “barriers between past and present, male and female... Read more

In the following excerpt, Burt asserts that The Beauty of the Husband, although not Carson's strongest work, is a “savvy and interesting” collection. Anne Carson earned her rep... Read more

In the following review, Long evaluates Carson's examination of the roles of desire and truth in relationships in The Beauty of the Husband. Anne Carson's seventh book, The Beauty of ... Read more

In the following excerpt, Baker explores how elements of narrative are essential to Men in the Off Hours, calling the work “a sustaining achievement.” Poets use stories to tell storie... Read more

In the following review, Green compares Carson's translations of Sappho's poetry in If Not, Winter, with the collection Sappho, translated by Stanley Lombardo. Green asserts that Carson&... Read more

In the following review, Moldaw praises Carson's translations in If Not, Winter, arguing that Carson succeeds in “giving us a Sappho whose voice dazzles like an iceskater's blade.... Read more

In the following review, Evenson asserts that the poetry and essays in Plainwater are sensitive, visionary, and erudite without becoming obscure. Anne Carson's poetry and essays are such tha... Read more

In the following review, Phillips applauds Plainwater and Glass, Irony and God as ambitious and exhilarating collections, noting that Carson's influences include Greek mythology, psychoanalysis... Read more

In the following review, Holinger compliments Carson's unique skill with descriptive language in Plainwater. In one of Plainwater's essays, Canadian Anne Carson writes, “I will... Read more