The Poetry of Yehuda Amichai (The Copenhagen Trilogy, 2)

Alter has done a tremendous job of selecting the best of previous translations of Amichai's poetry by Chana Bloch (singly or with Chana Kronfeld), Benjamin & Barbara Harshav, Stephen Mitchell, Assia Guttman, Glenda Abramson & Tudor Parfitt, and Ruth Nevo.Alter also translated many poems himself (splendidly) and commissioned excellent new translations from Leon Wieseltier and Bloch/Kronfeld. He includes a perceptive ten-page introduction and a limited number of brief but helpful notes (twelve pages).Even if you own other volumes of Amichai's poetry, this is a must buy if you enjoy this poet! Alter includes 524 pages of poems, and he states in his introduction that a complete edition of Amichai's poetry would have been more than three times the size of this one. The most comprehensive previous edition was that by the Harshavs (470 pages of poems), a solid collection, but one that included some relatively weaker poetry. Alter's edition seems to me to be very carefully selected.

Beautiful book, I'm thrilled to have a collection of Amichai's poems this large all in one volume. His work is deeply rooted in history, place, and personal grief. Poems about war, love, and the city of Jerusalem. I'm not familiar enough with Hebrew language to know how well-translated these are, but many of them have wonderful rhythm and the use of repetition is very effective. I'll be hanging on to this one for a long time.

I have read his poetry before but having this book before me is like dipping into a box of jewels and never knowing what glorious gem will be found. His poetry is addictive; one starts to read one poem and then cannot stop reading another and another and then going back and rereading the first. I have given at least 6 to friends and plan on giving many more, even to those who never 'touch' a poem.

The poetry of Yehuda Amichai never ceases to impress and inspire and this is the most comprehensive collection available in English. There is certainly great care and insight in the editing.The paper used for this collection is a bit too thin and does not feels up to the noble content of the book.

Incredible Poetry! Yehuda Amichai is in my opinion, one of the finest poets of his age. The language is stunning and nearly every poem resonates with truth, experience and beauty.

Great translation to English. Expected original Hebrew/English side-by-side, but only few poems are; note that the preview pages may mislead.

It's Amachai. Always great poetry. Israel's national poet, an honor well-deserved. This is an excellent anthology with the best translations available.

Moving poetry with no fear of any experience.

This is such a beautiful book. I bought it in a soft back and the covers are so soft and beautiful to the touch.Such lovely poems inside which transport you to a different world, that get you imagining places and moments. With an insight into Jewish culture. Perfect for the journey to and from work - blocking out the external world or even just for chilling out on a Sunday evening with a tea or wine.Most of all - you can pick it up and put it down, which I love!I hope you find this review helpful :)

Yehuda Amichai's work will always be great, the book itself also looks a beautiful work as well. Happy with it.

ok

great!