High Desert

High Desert is a psychedelic journal of end-times and an ode to the American Southwest, exploring hidden histories from the Spanish Colonial Era to the recent pandemic. The poems also revel in their rootlessness, shifting gaze outside of the US to tackle our turbulent times and the depths of its problems.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Bloodaxe Books Ltd

High Desert, a mesmerizing psychedelic journal, delves into the realm of the end-times while paying homage to the American Southwest. Through its exploration of pivotal events such as the First Red Scare, the Tulsa Race Massacre, and the devastating West Coast wildfire epidemic, André Naffis-Sahelys profound reflections on class, race, and nationalism unveil the hidden histories of the region, spanning from the Spanish Colonial Era to the recent pandemic. The poems within High Desert also revel in their sense of rootlessness, as the author shifts his gaze beyond the borders of the United States, embarking on a captivating journey that takes him from the enchanting cities of Venice and Florence to the vibrant streets of Chittagong and St. Petersburg. In these searing and extraordinary poems of witness and vision, Naffis-Sahely tackles the turbulent times and the profound depths of its problems, offering a poignant reflection on our shared human experience.

High Desert marks the second collection by André Naffis-Sahely, following his debut The Promised Land: Poems from Itinerant Life (Penguin Books, 2017). This collection showcases a captivating array of portraits, capturing the essence of promised lands and the individuals who embark on quests to find them. Among these portraits are travelers, laborers, dreamers, the hopeful, and the dispossessed, each represented through the poetic lens of Naffis-Sahely. His poetry, presented as reportage, serves as both an act of memory and a seamless, clear-eyed vision.

André Naffis-Sahely is a multifaceted artist, excelling as a poet, editor, and translator. He holds the position of editor at Poetry London, and he is also a Visiting Teaching Fellow at the prestigious Manchester Writing School in the United Kingdom. In the United States, he serves as a Lecturer at the University of California, Davis, where he continues to inspire and engage students with his profound insights into the world of poetry.

Through his literary contributions, André Naffis-Sahely has established himself as a respected voice in the world of poetry. His work explores the complexities of human experience, challenging societal norms, and illuminating the hidden treasures of history. High Desert, with its rich tapestry of poems and profound reflections, serves as a testament to his talent and dedication to the art form. As readers immerse themselves in this captivating journal, they are invited to embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the depths of the human condition and the beauty of our shared world.

Weight: 136g
Dimension: 138 x 215 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781780376202