Here is a dispatch from Peter Johnson….
The Question of the Day: Why would Peter Johnson, an established poet with a decent reputation, give away a book of fragments/prose poems called Observations at the Edge of the Abyss, when he has a loyal press who wants to publish it. (FREE DOWNLOAD HERE) https://works.bepress.com/peter-johnson-PC/1/
Perhaps the best way to explain why I would “gift” this book is to blame it on the late, eccentric poet Bill Knott.
In 1999, the Knott sent me thoughtfully inscribed cheap, staple-bound pamphlets of his poems, sometimes quoting from my own prose poems in the inscriptions. On the inside covers of these pamphlets, in very large type, was written: “It should be obvious that if I could have found a real publisher for this book, I wouldn’t be doing it myself; no one wants the HUMILIATION of being a vanity author.” At the time, it seemed absurd that a publisher wouldn’t want a Bill Knott manuscript, but since then, I have witnessed even dumber editorial decisions.
Excerpts can also be read in Plume
https://plumepoetry.com/fragments-from-observations-from-the-edge-of-the-abyss-by-peter-johnson/
Do yourself a favor and get this freebie!
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Author: Denise Duhamel
