The Poetry of Derek Walcott 1948-2013

Discover the inimitable, essential poetry of Derek Walcott, spanning his celebrated six-decade career
"He gives us more than himself or 'a world'; he gives us a sense of infinity embodied in the language." Alongside Joseph Brodsky's words of praise, one might mention the concrete honors that renowned poet Derek Walcott has received: a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry, and the Nobel Prize in Literature.
The Poetry of Derek Walcott 1948–2013 draws from every stage of the poet's storied career, from his teenage years to his late masterpieces. Experience the evolution of his work, starting with early pieces like "In My Eighteenth Year," to his first widely celebrated verse, "A Far Cry from Africa," which speaks of violence and loyalties divided in one's very blood. Immerse yourself in the rich imagery of his mature work, like "The Schooner Flight" from The Star-Apple Kingdom, and savor the tender reflections of his later poems, like "Sixty Years After" from the 2010 collection White Egrets.
Across 65 years, Walcott grapples with timeless themes: the riddle of identity, the legacy of colonialism on his native Caribbean island of St. Lucia, the mysteries of faith, love, and nature, and the challenges of aging and loss. This collection, selected by Walcott's friend, the English poet Glyn Maxwell, is a testament to the enduring power of Walcott's poetry, which continues to resonate with readers across generations.