The Selected Poems is a unique selection of Oppen's work from the
seven books he published during his lifetime. Edited by one of our most
respected contemporary poets, Robert Creeley, who provides an
informative introduction, George Oppen's Selected Poems includes
Oppen's only known essay, A Mind's Own Place, as well as Twenty-Six
Fragments which Oppen wrote on envelopes and scraps of paper and posted
to his wall, edited by Stephen Cope. Also incorporated is a helpful
chronology and bibliography of his writings by Rachel Blau DuPlessis,
celebrated editor of Oppen's letters. On his death, Hugh Kenner wrote,
George Oppen, gentlest of men...prized what took time, found the grain
of materials, exacted accuracy. Oppen's Selected Poems is the perfect
text for teaching and a remarkable window into a world of lasting light
and clarity.