Episode · The Book Review · 2025-06-20
Books mentioned on A.O. Scott on the Joy of Close Reading Poetry
Gilbert Cruz discussed Land, Politics and Nationalism by Philip Bull. Greg Cowles recommended New and Collected Hell by Shane McCrae, Ominous Music Intensifying by Alexandra Teague, and New and Selected Poems by Marie Howe, and discussed The Gilded Auction Block by Shane McCrae, Cain Named the Animal by Shane McCrae, and What the Living Do by Maggie Dwyer.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Land, Politics and Nationalism
Land, Politics and Nationalism by Philip Bull is an academic study that investigates the intricate history of the Irish land question and its deep ties to nationalism and political development.
Discussed“You take a poem like Philip Larkin's Party Politics.”
Where to get it
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New and Collected Hell
New and Collected Hell by Shane McCrae is a profound poetry collection published under the subtitle of a single, sustained poem.
Recommended“The book on top is called New and Collected Hell. It's by a poet named Shane McCrae. I should say this book has a subtitle. It is a poem. New and collected hell, a poem.”
Where to get it
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The Gilded Auction Block
Discussed“He had a book called The Gilded Auction in 2019 with a poem in it called the Hell Poem that forms the heart of this book.”
Where to get it
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Cain Named the Animal
Discussed“And then in his follow-up book, Cain Named the Animal, he revisited that hell and went into some more of it.”
Where to get it
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Ominous Music Intensifying
Ominous Music Intensifying by Alexandra Teague is a compelling collection of poetry that explores intricate contemporary themes through striking verse.
Recommended“It is her fourth book of poem and it is called ominous music intensifying.”
Where to get it
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New and Selected Poems
New and Selected Poems by Marie Howe is an acclaimed poetry collection gathering notable works from the award-winning author's distinguished career.
Recommended“It is by Marie How. It's called New and Selected Poems.”
Where to get it
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What the Living Do
What the Living Do by Maggie Dwyer is a poignant and deeply moving exploration of personal grief, centered on the devastating loss of a family member to AIDS.
Discussed“Her second book, What the Living Doine in it of the death of her brother, John by AIDS.”
Where to get it
