Customer Reviews
a total stunner - By: marty mcfly, 23 Feb 2004 
I came at Bukowski from the prose & im not a huge fan of poetry, in general. I do find, however, that on the rare occasion that poetry just grabs me, i find it wrenches & pulls in a way that great prose never can. This is one of the most engaging, raw, simplistic & poignant collections i have troubled to read. this is simply fantastic & also a proof of why Bukowski regarded his poetry as his finest, most relevant work & of why he enjoyed it so much more than his prose. The messages are succinct & unfettered & the piece entitled 'notice' contains so much grief & aggression & such a stark contrast between love & death, that i found it truly moving. This is something Bukowski never managed to achieve in his novels & short stories & i think it is a perfect example of the nature of his talents.
This is Bukowski's poetic masterpiece. - By: , 09 Jul 1999 This book is Bukowski's finest collection of poetry ever published. As with alll prolific writers, Buk's books often come with more filler than sustenance- that is not the case here. The poems written for/about Jane highlight his most soulful collection. The usual mask of nonchalance has been stripped away, along with the chains of his self-created tough guy/barfly image. The tenderness & warmth are unfiltered by his masculine facade. Moving, desolate, & often humorous, this book is nearly flawless. It is written in such a way that anyone can read & understand. It isn't written in a flowery, deeply symbolic style that makes younger readers hate poetry. This book is from the heart, mind & fists of a man who has loved, suffered, hated & laughed. Anyone who has done likewise should be able to appreciate the raw beauty presented within. Make no mistake, the alcoholism, sex & madness that made Bukowski famous are alll represented here as well. This is the book to read if you are interested in the most three-dimensional portrayal of the late poet.
Classic poems ripped straight from heaven and hell - By: , 26 Mar 1999 This is a great collection. The "Jane" poems alone are worth the price of admission, but there is much, much more here for your consideration.
READ BUKOWSKI AND LIVE!
