The Essential Etheridge Knight (Pitt Poetry Series) Paperback – December 5, 1986

Love these poems.

I bought this for one of the prisoners in my GED class who wants to write. This is an example of writing what you know. I am hoping it inspires him to use his voice when he’s released.

Etheridge Knight lived for a time in my home city of Memphis and I heard him at a couple of readings. When he got going he was unbeatable hearing live -- what a poet! Obviously influenced by the Beats these poems will grab you, shake you, haunt you. Read them and weep. And laugh. And soar with him.

This book is unbelievably meaningful, beautiful and masterfully-written. What a man, what a story---addiction, imprisonment, and love lost are some of the themes of his poems. I've re-read this book of poems dozens of times. Each time I learn something deeper about him, myself and humanity.

Definitely some gems in here. And there are some recordings of his readings online!

I'm a big Etheridge Knight Fan, and this includes all my favorites and more. The design is a little standard it kinda seems like a book made for Universities. I still would suggest it though if your looking to learn about gritty, imaginative, and unflinching poetry. He often gets lumped together with Langston Hughes and other african american poets. I think he transcends that genre and makes a style all his own. If you like contemporary writing and poetry, Knight is a must read.

What happens if we listen first?I don't think I would have paid attention to these poems when I was in my 20s. The basis for my judgments would have been different then.Now, I think, the best of these poems show the tragedy of imprisonment, both in and out of prison. I wish this were a longer book. I want to read more of Knight's poetry.

Socially relevant today even in age. Rages without being an empty polemic.

The poems are accessible, honest and in some cases, heartbreaking.