Home: 100 Poems

A collection of evocative poems and prose fragments about home, exploring its theological, literary, philosophical, historical, political, and social dimensions. The selections are diverse, ranging from early modernism to the current moment, and from southern Africa to the Arctic Circle. The book offers a powerful vision of home as both a place and a way, completed during quarantine.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 07 January 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

In this captivating collection, Christian Wiman has curated a profound exploration of the concept of home, encompassing a myriad of evocative poems and prose fragments. Spanning from early modernism to the present day, and from southern Africa to the Arctic Circle, the selections showcase a diverse range of poets and their unique perspectives. Wiman views home as an intricate tapestry, encompassing a house, a country, a language, a love, a longing, a grief, and even a sense of spirituality. It is a word that holds countless definitions, spreading far beyond the confines of a single book.

Within this collection, tensions between diffusion and concentration, roaming and rootedness, precarity and security emerge as recurring themes. These tensions are often intertwined within the same poem, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and ideas. The selections span a wide chronological range, from the early modernist movements to the contemporary moment, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of the concept of home.

What sets this collection apart is its poignant resonance during the time of quarantine. Completed entirely amidst the challenges of separation and isolation, it offers a powerful vision of home as both a physical place and a metaphorical journey. The poems and prose fragments evoke a sense of longing, resilience, and connection, reminding us of the importance of shelter, community, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Through their words, the poets in this collection invite us to contemplate the diverse aspects of home—its physical structures, cultural heritage, emotional connections, and the deeper meaning it holds for our lives. They remind us that home is not just a physical space but a state of being, a place where we can find solace, inspiration, and a sense of belonging.

In conclusion, "This Is a Book of Longing" is a remarkable collection that delves into the multifaceted nature of home. Through its evocative poems and prose fragments, Christian Wiman invites us to explore the depths of our longing, spirituality, political awareness, historical memory, and intimate connections. This book serves as a testament to the power of literature to evoke emotions, broaden our perspectives, and provide a sense of belonging in a world that is constantly in flux.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 151 x 223 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300253450