Harry Mathews, a versatile writer known for his novels, essays, and short stories, was also a poet. This book gathers nine collections of his poetry, along with both previously published and new works, and some French translations. Mathews, a member of the literary group Oulipo, created innovative poetic forms and approaches. Despite his passing in 2017, this publication by Sand Paper Press with insightful prefaces, annotations, and unique cover art by Trevor Winkfield, provides readers with a comprehensive view of his poetic legacy.
Oulipo, short for “Workshop of Potential Literature,” exemplifies Mathews’ experimental and imaginative style. His poems often employ challenging techniques, such as his invented “double helix” sestina form, where creativity emerges from strict constraints. Reflecting on Georges Perec’s work, Mathews praised the artistic possibilities inherent in using restrictive methods.
Mathews’ collection features intricate sestinas like “Safety in Numbers” and “Histoire,” which blend storytelling with abstract themes and evoke a nuanced exploration of desire and politics. Throughout his poems, there is a poetic sensuality intertwined with linguistic playfulness. Mathews reimagines common phrases in his “Perverbial Poems” and crafts thought-provoking haikus that delve into the complexities of brevity and expression.
His adeptness at reinventing familiar themes is evident in “Trial Impressions,” where he spins variations on a single motif, akin to Queneau’s stylistic exercises. By embracing structured forms, Mathews challenges conventional modes of storytelling and amplifies the potential for creative expression.
Mathews believed that constrained writing could unlock new perspectives and facilitate authentic self-expression. His poetry, which often resonates with a sense of melancholy and longing, invites readers to explore unconventional narratives and embrace moments of disorientation. In poems like “The New Tourism,” Mathews guides readers through enigmatic landscapes, prompting contemplation on origins, belonging, and the ever-shifting nature of language.
