To the Many: Collected Early Works

Lola Ridge (1873-1941) was a notable poet writing in America from 1918 until her death in 1941. This collection includes her first three books of poems, as well as the never before published manuscript Verses (1905). It helps to recognize her place in the history of twentieth-century poetry.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 420 pages
\n Publication date: 30 August 2018
\n Publisher: Carcanet Press Ltd
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Before the term gained widespread recognition, Lola Ridge (1873-1941) emerged as one of the most prominent poets in America during the period spanning from the publication of her debut book, The Ghetto, in 1918 until her untimely demise, remarkably just before America's involvement in the Second World War. This collection includes the complete texts of her first three poetry books: The Ghetto, Sun-Up, and Red Flag. Additionally, it features the previously unpublished manuscript Verses (1905), which represents the early poems she intended to publish in Australia before her departure for America in 1907. The publication of this collection marks a significant milestone in acknowledging and restoring Lola Ridge's esteemed place in the history of twentieth-century poetry.

Introduction:
Lola Ridge, a talented poet who left an indelible mark on American literature, deserves recognition for her significant contributions. Born in 1873 and passing away in 1941, Ridge's poetic journey began with the publication of her debut book, The Ghetto, in 1918. Her poetic prowess continued until her untimely death, just before America's entry into the Second World War. This collection, encompassing the complete texts of her first three books and the previously unpublished manuscript Verses, aims to shed light on Ridge's remarkable legacy and place her in the annals of twentieth-century poetry.

Lola Ridge's Early Life and Literary Beginnings:
Lola Ridge was born in New York City, USA, on May 1, 1873. Her early life was marked by her love for literature and her determination to pursue a career in writing. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Ridge remained unwavering in her pursuit of artistic excellence. Her literary journey began with the publication of her first book, The Ghetto, in 1918. The book, which showcased her powerful voice and insightful observations of the urban landscape, marked the beginning of her ascent to prominence.

The Ghetto:
The Ghetto, Ridge's debut book, was a critical success. It showcased her ability to capture the essence of the urban experience and her keen observations of the human condition. The book's themes of poverty, social injustice, and the struggles of marginalized communities resonated with readers, earning her widespread acclaim. The Ghetto established Ridge as a promising young poet, and her subsequent works continued to build on her reputation.

Sun-Up:
Following the publication of The Ghetto, Ridge released her second book, Sun-Up, in 1920. This collection of poems continued to explore the themes of social inequality and the human experience. Sun-Up showcased Ridge's poetic prowess and her ability to convey emotions and ideas with clarity and precision. The book received positive reviews and further solidified her position as a prominent poet in America.

Red Flag:
Ridge's third book, Red Flag, was published in 1922. This collection marked a significant departure from her previous works, as it delved into more political and social themes. Red Flag addressed issues such as war, revolution, and the struggle for social justice. The book's powerful and evocative language resonated with readers, earning her critical praise and establishing her as a voice of protest and social commentary.

Verses (1905):
Included in this collection is the previously unpublished manuscript Verses (1905). This manuscript provides a glimpse into Ridge's early poetic development and her artistic journey before her departure for America. The poems in Verses reflect her experiences and observations of the world around her, showcasing her poetic talent and her commitment to expressing her thoughts and emotions through her writing.

Lola Ridge's Place in Twentieth-Century Poetry:
Lola Ridge's contributions to twentieth-century poetry cannot be overstated. Her powerful voice, insightful observations, and commitment to social justice made her a prominent figure in the literary world. Her poetry addressed important issues of her time, such as poverty, inequality, and the human experience. Ridge's work resonated with readers across different generations and cultures, cementing her place as a significant poet of the twentieth century.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Lola Ridge's legacy as a poet is a testament to her talent, resilience, and dedication to her craft. Her first three books of poems, The Ghetto, Sun-Up, and Red Flag, along with the unpublished manuscript Verses, showcase her poetic prowess and her ability to capture the essence of the human experience. The publication of this collection aims to recognize and restore her esteemed place in the history of twentieth-century poetry. Lola Ridge's poetry continues to inspire and resonate with readers, reminding us of the power of words to convey emotions, provoke thought, and shape our understanding of the world.

\n Weight: 490g\n
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 35 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780993505645\n \n