Muriel Rukeyser and Documentary: The Poetics of Connection by Catherine Gander

This especially rich work takes on Rukeyser's uses of documentary forms (filmic, photographic, journalistic, historical, biographical) to argue for their persistence throughout her career. It is presented with patient clarity and substantial archival research which underpin agile conceptualisations and powerful close readings of the poetry. Professor Ian F. A. Bell, School of English, Keele University Provides a new perspective on the documentary diversity of Muriel Rukeysers work and influences This study of twentieth-century American poet Muriel Rukeyser explores the multiple avenues of her poetics of connection to reveal a profound engagement with the equally intertextual documentary genre. It examines previously overlooked photo narratives, poetry, prose and archival material and demonstrates an enduring dialogue between the poets relational aesthetics and documentarys similarly interdisciplinary and creative approach to the world. By considering the sources of documentary in Rukeysers work, the study provides insight into her guiding poetic principles, situating her as a vital figure in the history of twentieth-century American literature and culture, and as a pioneering personality in the development of American Studies. Key Features Provides a new, interdisciplinary perspective situating Rukeyser firmly within the canon of essential twentieth-century American poets Examines Rukeysers photo narratives, poetry, prose, and archival material Outlines the development of documentary in the 1930s, and its role in the formation of an American literary and cultural aesthetic Provides a new perspective on the documentary diversity of Muriel Rukeyser's work and influencesWinner of the inaugural Peggy O'Brien Book Prize of the Irish Association for American Studies (IAAS)GBS_insertPreviewButtonPopup(['ISBN:9780748670536','ISBN:9780748670543']);This study of twentieth-century American poet Muriel Rukeyser explores the multiple avenues of her 'poetics of connection' to reveal a profound engagement with the equally intertextual documentary genre. It examines previously overlooked photo narratives, poetry, prose and archival material and demonstrates an enduring dialogue between the poet's relational aesthetics and documentary's similarly interdisciplinary and creative approach to the world. By considering the sources of documentary in Rukeyser's work, the study provides insight into her guiding poetic principles, situating her as a vital figure in the history of twentieth-century American literature and culture, and as a pioneering personality in the development of American Studies.Key Features Provides a new, interdisciplinary perspective on a critically neglected author, situating her firmly within the canon of essential 20th century American poetsExamines previously overlooked material, including photo narratives, poetry, prose, and archival materialHighlights Rukeyser's role in the formation of American StudiesOutlines the development of documentary in the 1930s, and its role in the formation of an American literary and cultural aesthetic" This study of twentieth-century American poet Muriel Rukeyser explores the multiple avenues of her 'poetics of connection' to reveal a profound engagement with the equally intertextual documentary genre. It examines previously overlooked photo narratives, poetry, prose and archival material and demonstrates an enduring dialogue between the poet's relational aesthetics and documentary's similarly interdisciplinary and creative approach to the world. By considering the sources of documentary in Rukeyser's work, the study provides insight into her guiding poetic principles, situating her as a vital figure in the history of twentieth-century American literature and culture, and as a pioneering personality in the development of American Studies. Key Features. Provides a new, interdisciplinary perspective on a critically neglected author, situating her firmly within the canon of essential 20th century American poets Examines previously overlooked material, including photo narratives, poetry, prose, and archival material Highlights Rukeyser's role in the formation of American Studies Outlines the development of documentary in the 1930s, and its role in the formation of an American literary and cultural aesthetic This study of twentieth-century American poet Muriel Rukeyser explores the multiple avenues of her 'poetics of connection' to reveal a profound engagement with the equally intertextual documentary genre. It examines previously overlooked photo narratives, poetry, prose and archival material and demonstrates an enduring dialogue between the poet's relational aesthetics and documentary's similarly interdisciplinary and creative approach to the world. By considering the sources of documentary in Rukeyser's work, the study provides insight into her guiding poetic principles, situating her as a vital figure in the history of twentieth-century American literature and culture, and as a pioneering personality in the development of American Studies. Key Features, Provides a new, interdisciplinary perspective situating Rukeyser firmly within the canon of essential twentieth-century American poets, Examines Rukeyser's photo narratives, poetry, prose, and archival material, Outlines the development of documentary in the 1930s, and its role in the formation of an American literary and cultural aesthetic Book jacket Cover Copyright Contents Acknowledgements Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 The Photo-text Chapter 3 The Lives Chapter 4 Documentary and the Emergence of American Studies Chapter 5 Landscape, Navigation and Cartography Chapter 6 Conclusion Appendix: illustrations Sources Cited Index Catherine Gander. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [228]-243) And Index.