RoR: Forum

I bought two: one for myself; one for my ex.

I usually do not get poetry. I read it well out loud, but I also declaim well in Spansh from science books -- with about the same comprehensive level. Not only do I understand this verse, I can see the structure: like the arches in a church, it holds itself up.

In numismatics, we say that it is better to regret the purchase you did not make than the one you did. I contravened that maxim to acquire this -- and to give one to someone who at once deserved it and had no reason to expect it.

Based on what has been posted here, Donway is some pretty good stuff.

Post 1

Tuesday, February 19, 2008 - 11:00pm

I had a copy in galley proofs, or whatever they're called in the digital age - loose 8.5 x 11 sheets.

But that's an annoying way to read something, especially since the sheets get out of order. So I've ordered a hardcopy. It's a great book, full of life and thought and music.

Post 2

Wednesday, February 20, 2008 - 7:13am

So Ayn Rand inspired poetry is considered Right Wing?

Post 3

Wednesday, February 20, 2008 - 7:39am

So Ayn Rand inspired poetry is considered Right Wing?

Guess that would make John Paul Sherman's works 'right wing' too, huh.....

Post 4

Wednesday, February 20, 2008 - 7:29pm

I notice that the article asks the same question you do, without asserting it. I'm wondering if this was initially written for a Village audience, in an effort to get their attention. To them I suspect that Donway's work would seem right-leaning, both because of the Ayn Rand inspiration, and because a couple of poems are rather critical of Communist tyrants.

Still, I think someone could write left-seeming poetry while inspired by Ayn Rand. There is a strong individualist streak in a lot of the left, plus a strong rationality streak, so those aspects, just for example, can transfer well.

As for John Paul Sherman, there was a very strong individualist streak, but his work, that I've seen, didn't focus on current politics much. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
(Edited by John Enright on 2/20, 7:31pm)

Post 5

Wednesday, February 20, 2008 - 7:58pm

John, you may be right. In any case, Ayn Rand's ideas are very often incorrectly lumped in with Rightism/conservatism when in fact her ideas are a distinct alternative to the Left/Right dichotomy. It's hard enough when this mischaracterization is made by those unfamiliar, but when a self-described Objectivist who's a member of a prominent Objectivist organization creates the impression that Randian ideas are under the conservative tent, the falsehood is further perpetuated.

Post 6

Wednesday, February 20, 2008 - 10:15pm

Pete, I agree, Rand's thought doesn't really fit along the contemporary left/right measuring stick.

Drawing the "Nolan Chart" lets you do a much better approximation of her politics.

Post 7

Sunday, February 24, 2008 - 2:50pm