Infrathin: An Experiment in Micropoetics

Infrathin: An Experiment in Micropoetics examines Marcel Duchamp's concept of the "infrathin" - the nearly imperceptible differences between two identical things. Through close readings and analysis, Perloff applies this concept to modern and contemporary poetry. The book explores works by poets like Susan Howe, Charles Bernstein, Steve McCaffery, and Christian Bök through the lens of micro-differences in language, sound, and meaning. Perloff's investigation includes concrete poetry, sound poetry, digital poetry and other experimental forms that test the boundaries between similarity and difference. Through studies of minimal pairs, homophonic translation, and subtle variations in poetic language, Perloff demonstrates how small linguistic shifts create meaning. The text presents a framework for understanding poetry's ability to generate significance through minute distinctions and barely perceptible transformations. Her analysis reveals how contemporary experimental poetry engages with questions of originality, repetition, and difference - suggesting new ways to consider innovation in poetic practice. The concept of the infrathin emerges as a critical tool for understanding linguistic experimentation and poetic invention.

This book appears to be too new and academically specialized to have accumulated many public reader reviews online. No reviews were found on Goodreads, Amazon, or other consumer review sites as of early 2024. The only public responses found were brief mentions in academic circles and on social media, where readers noted: - The text's detailed analysis of Duchamp's concept of the "infrathin" - Its exploration of minimal differences in language and art - Its application to contemporary poetry studies Some academic readers said it helped clarify Duchamp's ideas about subtle perceptual distinctions. A few posts on X/Twitter express anticipation for its contribution to poetics scholarship. No consolidated review data or ratings exist yet for this title. [Note: Limited public review data is available for this recent academic publication. This summary may not fully represent reader reception.]

The Chinese Written Character as a Medium for Poetry by Ernest Fenollosa, Ezra Pound A study of Chinese ideograms reveals the relationship between visual form and poetic meaning through microscopic examination of linguistic components.

The Elements of Typography by Robert Bringhurst The text examines the minute details of letterforms and spacing that create meaning in written language.

The Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachelard An analysis of the intimate spaces of poetry through detailed exploration of domestic architecture and geometric forms.

The Material of Poetry by Gerald L. Bruns A theoretical investigation into the physical and sonic properties that constitute poetic language at its most fundamental level.

Close Listening: Poetry and the Performed Word by Charles Bernstein The work dissects the microscopic elements of poetry performance through examination of breath, pause, and vocal texture.

🔖 "Infrathin" explores Marcel Duchamp's concept of the "inframince" - a French term describing differences so subtle they can barely be perceived, like the warmth left on a seat after someone rises. 📚 Marjorie Perloff, recognized as one of America's foremost poetry critics, has taught at Stanford University and USC, influencing decades of literary scholarship. 🎨 The book examines microscopic moments in works by artists and writers including Francis Ponge, Gertrude Stein, and Marcel Duchamp, revealing how tiny details create profound meaning. 📝 The term "micropoetics" refers to the study of minimal literary gestures - subtle shifts in rhythm, barely noticeable changes in repetition, and nearly invisible variations in language. 🌟 Perloff's analysis connects modernist artistic techniques to contemporary digital poetry, showing how the concept of "infrathin" remains relevant in today's literary landscape.