New and Selected Poems

New and Selected Poems collects works spanning four decades from Yehuda Amichai, one of Israel's preeminent poets. The volume includes both previously published poems and new works, presented in both English and Hebrew. The collection encompasses Amichai's experiences as a soldier in multiple wars, life in Jerusalem, and his relationships with family and lovers. His poetry moves between the personal and political, drawing on biblical references while remaining grounded in contemporary Israeli life. The book features translations by renowned poets and scholars, maintaining the rhythm and force of Amichai's original Hebrew verses. The parallel text format allows readers to experience both the original language and the English interpretations. Through these poems, Amichai explores the tension between faith and doubt, love and conflict, offering perspectives on warfare, religion, and intimacy that transcend cultural boundaries.

Readers appreciate Amichai's accessible style and his ability to find profound meaning in everyday moments. His war poems resonate deeply, with many citing "The Diameter of the Bomb" as particularly moving. Multiple reviews note his skill at connecting personal experiences to universal themes. Common praise focuses on: - Clear, straightforward language - Balance of intimacy and political commentary - Effective translations by various translators Main criticisms: - Some poems lose impact in translation - Arrangement feels disjointed to some readers - Selected works omit notable pieces Ratings: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (416 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (31 ratings) A reader on LibraryThing writes: "His imagery transforms ordinary objects into vessels of meaning." An Amazon reviewer notes: "Amichai makes the personal political without being heavy-handed." Several Goodreads reviews mention the accessibility of his work compared to other celebrated poets, though some find the selections too limited.

The Selected Poetry by Rainer Maria Rilke, Stephen Mitchell This collection explores spirituality, love, and mortality through personal observations of everyday moments that reveal universal truths.

The Dream of a Common Language by Adrienne Rich These poems examine personal identity and political consciousness through intimate experiences and relationships.

Red Suitcase by Naomi Shihab Nye The poems connect cultural heritage with contemporary life through observations of both Middle Eastern and American perspectives.

The Poetry of Kabbalah by Peter Cole This translation of Hebrew mystical poetry bridges ancient Jewish wisdom with modern poetic sensibilities.

Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair by Pablo Neruda These poems merge natural imagery with human emotions to explore love, loss, and longing across cultural boundaries.

🔹 Yehuda Amichai, born in Germany in 1924, changed his name from Ludwig Pfeuffer after immigrating to Palestine - "Amichai" means "my people lives" in Hebrew. 🔹 The collection spans four decades of Amichai's work and includes both previously published poems and new works, showcasing his evolution from early formal structures to more conversational styles. 🔹 Amichai served in the British Army during World War II and later fought in Israel's War of Independence - experiences that heavily influenced his poetry's themes of war and peace. 🔹 Often called "Israel's most popular poet," Amichai wrote in colloquial Hebrew and was among the first to incorporate modern, everyday language into serious poetry in Hebrew. 🔹 The book was translated by renowned poet Chana Bloch and Stephen Mitchell, maintaining Amichai's signature style of combining sacred references with secular imagery and everyday life.