book of variations
By bp Nichol
Edited by Stephen Voyce
The range of bpNichol's output is unparalleled, the reach of his curiosity, wit and inventiveness, immeasurable. Concrete poetry, novels, comics, sound poetry and even a television show, Fraggle Rock – it's his eclecticism and love of 'borderblur' that make bp so unique.
The ... Read more
Overview
The range of bpNichol's output is unparalleled, the reach of his curiosity, wit and inventiveness, immeasurable. Concrete poetry, novels, comics, sound poetry and even a television show, Fraggle Rock – it's his eclecticism and love of 'borderblur' that make bp so unique.
The perfect counterpoint to his acclaimed nine-volume long poem, The Martyrology, the three long-lost classics contained in a book of variations showcase Nichol's diverse, sprawling imagination. Placing love: a book of remembrances, zygal: a book of mysteries and translations and art facts: a book of contexts side by side, as they were meant to be, this fun and ephemeral collection may prove to be Nichol's most lasting and important contribution to poetry.
'bpNichol was, and still is, the essential poet for so many of us. '
— Michael Ondaatje
'This is bpNichol at his young, whimsical, charming, sweet, magical, formally inventive, childlike, zany, fecund, h-h-h-heavenly best. A total delight from beginning to beginning again. '
— Charles Bernstein
bp Nichol
bp Nichol was one of Canada’s most challenging and innovative poets. His writing spans a remarkable range—from concise allegories on a single letter, on through to sound poetry, fiction, theoretical investigations and culminating in his nine-volume poem The Martyrology. Meanwhile: The Critical Writings of bpNichol (2001), bpNichol Comics (2001), Rational Geomancy (1992) and Selected Writing: As Elected (1980) are also available from Talonbooks.