About the book
First Place, Large Not-for-Profit Publisher, Typographic Text, 2011 Washington Book Publishers Design and Effectiveness Awards
Guillaume Apollinaire’s first book of poems has charmed readers with its brief celebrations of animals, birds, fish, insects, and the mythical poet Orpheus since it was first published in 1911. Though Apollinaire would go on to longer and more ambitious work, his Bestiary reveals key elements of his later poetry, among them surprising images, wit, formal mastery, and wry irony.
X. J. Kennedy’s fresh translation follows Apollinaire in casting the poems into rhymed stanzas, suggesting music and sudden closures while remaining faithful to their sense. Kennedy provides the English alongside the original French, inviting readers to compare the two and appreciate the fidelity of the former to the latter. He includes a critical and historical essay that relates the Bestiary to its sources in medieval “creature books,” provides a brief biography and summation of the troubled circumstances surrounding the book’s initial publication, and places the poems in the context of Apollinaire’s work as a poet and as a champion of avant garde art.
This short introduction to the work of an essentially modern writer includes four curious poems apparently suppressed from the first edition and reprints of the Raoul Dufy woodcuts published in the 1911 edition.
Editions of Bestiary, or Procession of Orpheus
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781421400068
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781421400075
- EBook
- ISBN 9781421401560
Read an Excerpt
First Place, Large Not-for-Profit Publisher, Typographic Text, 2011 Washington Book Publishers Design and Effectiveness Awards
Guillaume Apollinaire’s first book of poems has charmed readers with its brief celebrations of animals, birds, fish, insects, and the mythical poet Orpheus since it was first published in 1911. Though Apollinaire would go on to longer and more ambitious work, his Bestiary reveals key elements of his later poetry, among them surprising images, wit, formal mastery, and wry irony.
X. J. Kennedy’s fresh translation follows Apollinaire in casting the poems into rhymed stanzas, suggesting music and sudden closures while remaining faithful to their sense. Kennedy provides the English alongside the original French, inviting readers to compare the two and appreciate the fidelity of the former to the latter. He includes a critical and historical essay that relates the Bestiary to its sources in medieval “creature books,” provides a brief biography and summation of the troubled circumstances surrounding the book’s initial publication, and places the poems in the context of Apollinaire’s work as a poet and as a champion of avant garde art.
This short introduction to the work of an essentially modern writer includes four curious poems apparently suppressed from the first edition and reprints of the Raoul Dufy woodcuts published in the 1911 edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bestiary, or Procession of Orpheus about?
First Place, Large Not-for-Profit Publisher, Typographic Text, 2011 Washington Book Publishers Design and Effectiveness Awards
Guillaume Apollinaire’s first book of poems has charmed readers with its brief celebrations of animals, birds, fish, insects, and the mythical poet Orpheus since it was first published in 1911. Though Apollinaire would go on to longer and more ambitious work, his Bestiary reveals key elements of his later poetry, among them surprising images, wit, formal mastery, and wry irony.
X. J. Kennedy’s fresh translation follows Apollinaire in casting the poems into rhymed stanzas, suggesting music and sudden closures while remaining faithful to their sense. Kennedy provides the English alongside the original French, inviting readers to compare the two and appreciate the fidelity of the former to the latter. He includes a critical and historical essay that relates the Bestiary to its sources in medieval “creature books,” provides a brief biography and summation of the troubled circumstances surrounding the book’s initial publication, and places the poems in the context of Apollinaire’s work as a poet and as a champion of avant garde art.
This short introduction to the work of an essentially modern writer includes four curious poems apparently suppressed from the first edition and reprints of the Raoul Dufy woodcuts published in the 1911 edition.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Bestiary, or Procession of Orpheus?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Poetry / Poems
Where can I read a sample of Bestiary, or Procession of Orpheus?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781421400068
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Bestiary, or Procession of Orpheus?
Guillaume Apollinaire
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Bestiary, or Procession of Orpheus is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781421400068) and paperback(ISBN 9781421400075) and ebook(ISBN 9781421401560)
Where can I buy Bestiary, or Procession of Orpheus online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Bestiary, or Procession of Orpheus from below
Where can I buy Bestiary, or Procession of Orpheus?