The Collected Poems of Wallace Stevens

Back of the Book

Originally published in 1954 to honor Stevens’s seventy-fifth birthday, the book was rushed into print for the occasion and contained scores of errors. These have now been corrected in one place for the first time by Stevens scholars John N. Serio and Christopher Beyers, based on original editions and manuscripts.

The Collected Poems is the one volume that Stevens intended to contain all the poems he wished to preserve, presented in the way he wanted. It is an enduring monument to his dazzling achievement.

Why You Should Read It

The Collected Poems of Wallace Stevens offer a captivating journey through the intellectual landscapes of one of America's preeminent modernist poets. Stevens, with his linguistic dexterity and philosophical depth, beckons readers into a world where imagination and reality dance in poetic harmony. His poems, rich with vivid imagery and intellectual exploration, invite contemplation on the intersections of art, nature, and the human experience. Stevens' inventive language and nuanced thought make this collection a literary treasure trove, appealing to those who relish the challenge of unraveling the complexities of existence through the lens of poetic expression. Each poem becomes a carefully crafted work of art, contributing to a larger tapestry of intellectual and aesthetic exploration. For readers who appreciate the marriage of intellect and lyricism, The Collected Poems offer a timeless and enriching literary experience.

Memorable Passage

Divinity must live within herself:
Passions of rain, or moods in the falling snow;
Grievings in loneliness, or unsubdued
Elations when the forest blooms; gusty
Emotions on wet roads on autumn nights;
All pleasures and all pains, remembering
The boughs of summer and the winter branch.
These are the measures destined for her soul.

About the Author

Wallace Stevens, born on October 2, 1879, in Reading, Pennsylvania, emerged as a pivotal figure in American modernist poetry during the 20th century. His life, extending from the late 19th century into the mid-20th century, witnessed the profound transformations of the modernist era. Stevens, who spent the majority of his career working in the insurance industry, displayed an extraordinary capacity for blending his vocation with a poetic avocation that would garner him critical acclaim. His contribution to literature lies in the intricate interplay of language and philosophy found in his poetry, which often explores themes of reality, imagination, and the nature of artistic creation. Stevens received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1955 and left an enduring legacy as a poet whose work invites readers to engage with the complexities of existence. His unique perspective and intellectual rigor make Wallace Stevens a literary figure well worth knowing, as his poems continue to resonate and inspire contemplation in the realms of art and philosophy. Wallace Stevens passed away on August 2, 1955, but his impact endures through the timeless beauty and intellectual depth of his poetic legacy.

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Aimee Bender