Nox

Amazing!

A beautiful book, with an original layout.

Nox is a moving poem presented in a beautiful way. The poem, like a working note book, concertinas out of the box and each page is a gem. Images, words, scribbles and definitions of words being translated from a poem by Catullus, all come together as a way for the poet to explore her feelings of loss for her estranged dead brother. The first page has a blurred (as if wet with tears) typewritten text of the Catullus poem. Through the course of Nox the words from the Catullus poem are translated and defined and interspersed with this are Anne Carson's thoughts, reflections, memories of her brother, along with photographic images, drawings and collages. The pace at which the poem literally unfolds gives the reader time to reflect on the words and images of Carson's poem and on our own feelings of loss and grief for loved ones. 'Nox' is a wonderful poem in its own right. The quality of the facsimilie reproduction (down even to the crinkled and glued paper) and box presentation is excellent and worth all of £16.99. A poem and an art work.

Ann Carson's poetry continually breaks new ground. Here she has persuaded a publisher to reproduce her deeply felt scapbook of material produced when she learns of her long-unheard-from brother's death. Apparent etymological explanations of each Latin word of a Catullus poem in response to his brother's death[ASIN:0199537577 The Poems of Catullus (Oxford World's Classics)], unfold as a deep examination of the night into which we all must go. Atmospheric photos, painfully recalled letters and funeral memorials build to a moving memory of her brother - the reader feels as though Carson's actual book of material is in her hands. No rhyme, no lines of verse - just this unique elegy, re-valuing a lost part of herself.

Sister was very pleased with this. It arrived early and in good condition. I'd never heard of it myself and wouldn't have bought it for myself but my sister is into poetry and this genre of books. She liked it a lot so I'm giving five stars on her behalf.

I bought this after hearing about it on a radio programme. It’s unusual, resembles a scrap book in memory of a loved one ( the author’s brother). When it arrived the inside of the book’s box cover had detached which I had to glue back in place. I read it in twenty minutes- some pieces were poignant, others incomprehensible. It’s a bit like viewing a half dream. It’s an expensive book . It may have been cathartic for the author in bereavement but it was not for me.

Nice idea and concept of the book, fast shipping. I buy the brand new version but the book not like new…… really disappointed about it.

I can't add to previous reviewers' assessment of the content, but the presentation is remarkable. Such beautiful and innovative presentation at this price is a great statement of faith from the publisher. This is a demonstration that some formats cannot be reproduced as an e-book, but must be experienced as an artefact as well as a work of poetry.