Jerome Rothenberg

Poetry. Native American Studies. In a preface to this new edition of his fabled anthology of Native American poetry, Rothenberg suggests that the translations should work "by analogy to contemporary, limit- smashing experiments (as with concrete poetry, sound poetry, intermedia, happenings, etc.)" As a result, the stylistic range represented in SHAKING THE PUMPKIN reflects the variety of poetic practices that existed among Native American cultures--noting that before the exploration of North America by Europeans over 500 distinct native languages were in use. Rothenberg translates, or co- translates, a large portion of the material; however, other translators represented in the anthology include Anselm Hollo, W.S. Merwin, and Nathaniel Tarn. Along with a thoughtful introduction, SHAKING THE PUMPKIN includes a breakdown of the works by region and tribe, and a large section of commentaries, which offer background information about each poem, placing the works within a cultural context. Rothenberg also uses the commentaries to discuss American Indian tribal poetry, philosophy, and history.

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