Milosz's ABC's [Paperback]

Memories, dreams and reflections from the Nobel Laureate

The ABC book is a polish genre-a loose form related to a hypertext novel-composed of short, alphabetically arranged entries. In Milosz's conception, the ABC book becomes a sort of autobiographical reference book, combining entries concerning characters from his earlier work with references to some of his memory poems. He also writes of real, historical figures like Camus who were particularly influential during his formative years, and of broader topics such as The City, Unhappiness, and Money. Another fascinating entry in Milosz's bold opus,Milosz's ABCsis an engaging tribute to a brilliant mind.

Fascinating and charming--The web woven here, in the wisest and most charming of styles, is intricate indeed. Kirkus Reviews

Lyrically poetic . . . The tone is intimate but the content - which includes politics, history, art, poetry, and religion - is impressively broad and rich. Dana Gioia, San Francisco Magazine

Splendid . . . Milosz's ABC's is a benedictory text, an alphabetical rescue operation, a testimonial to those who have suffered and gone before us, a hymn to the everlasting marvel and mystery of human existence--Milosz [is] arguably the greatest living poet. Edward Hirsch,The New York Times Book Review

Eloquent . . . A remarkable fusion of passion and balance. Richard Eder, The New York Times

The book captures what is perhaps most characteristic and attractive in Milosz's entire literary output. His writing can be simultaneously a protest against the disappearance of people, objects and images from the physical world, and a celebration of time's unstoppable forward motion . . . Few writers in our time can rival Milosz's ability to render justice to the strange spectacle of the world. We should be grateful for the wisdom of his extraordinary life. Jaroslaw Anders, Los Angeles Times BoolS