Providing a rare and creative sense of authority's various faces, this
collection of poems travels from intellectual and artistic power to
philosophical, military, and imperial power; and above all, personal
influence. The verse introduces the persuasiveness, complexities, and
intrigues of "table talk"--a European tradition of informed and
enlightened conversation that has virtually disappeared from the
experience of North American culture. Commanding and informed in their
own sense of purpose, these pieces evince a gentle curiosity for
greatness, creating an engaging portrait of simple humanity, powerful
minds, and memorable ideas.