The Warped Side of Our Universe (Staff Pick)

Science and space intimidate the heck out of me, but this gorgeous book makes me want to know more about both.
- Jane
Science and space intimidate the heck out of me, but this gorgeous book makes me want to know more about both.
- Jane
- Manasa
When it comes to Halloween reading, it doesn’t get much better than the Inferno. The notes and commentary by Robert Hollander illuminate the history and composition of the poem, and I love that his wife Jean (a poet) did the translation, which she renders skillfully into verse. Dante's Italian is also presented on the facing page for those who would like to explore the original text.
- James
Beaudelaire is one of those poets whose works I love and love to hate. Stylistically, his poetry straddles the transition of highly structured and metered poetry to the fluidity of modern poetry. Thematically, his works are flooded with mythology and spirituality. In his own time, he was considered either raunchy or brilliant. In my time I'd say: Edgar Allan Poe is to horror as Beaudelaire is to emo. And you can read it all in French for full affect.
- Stacey
First published in 1923, it is one of the most translated books in history, being translated into over 100 languages. It tells the story of Almustafa, the Chosen One. After spending years in the city of Orphalese he must bid farewell to those he has come to know over his time spent among them. Knowing he must leave, the people ask him to speak of life, in all its shades, before he bids them farewell. In a series of moving poems he speaks to them before departing into the sea. This is an absolutely amazing, timeless work perfect for all seasons that has something to offer for all of us.
- Evan, Café Zing
Do you like animals? Do you like pretty colors? What about words? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I have a feeling this book is for you.
- Jane
Mauritian author Ananda Devi returns with another stunning work. Like a worry stone smooth but for a subtle sharp edge, Devi's poetry reflects a beautiful but dangerous world in lines and images you'll want to carry in your pocket. Off-center and unsettling, yet still approachable, Devi's poems will connect with a wide range of poetry fans and could even be an entrance point for readers looking to get into poetry more.
In this breathtaking combination of photography and poetry Robin Coste Lewis again asks, what can we do with our history? Our past is the material for our future but only if we engage with it critically & creatively. Coste Lewis is doing powerful things with history, art, and poetry.
I cannot explain how excited I was to fumble across this on a cart of books to shelve. I'm always hoping to find more sci-fi/fantasy done in verse, and this is just so much more! That each of these pieces of artwork exist individually is wonderful enough, but as a collection it's just phenomenal.
Stacey
D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths for a new generation, this beautifully illustrated selection from Ovid's Metamorphoses will introduce kids to some of the well trodden myths alongside the less while known stories of transformation.
Katherine