Description
Jerome Rothenberg, Editor
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.
