Duppy Conqueror: New and Selected Poems

Duppy Conquerer is an amazing book--Kwame Dawes's work is rhythmic, moving, and inspiring on every level--the individual, the communal, the universal. I found all the collections wonderful and was fascinated by the change in style and structure, with each new collection becoming more simple and profound in breathtaking ways. There is something that transcends all the poems--poems of witness, lyricism, personal story--I highly recommend this book and also suggest you download Kwame Dawes reading on Poetry Foundation--it too will take your breath away.

Remarkable poems by a prolific, important and essential poet.

This collection gives the reader insight into multiple cultural environments. It is beautifully written and inspiring, telling a story across and against a linear course.

Dawes has done amazing things for the world of African literature and it's amazing to see some of his best verses compiled into a single volume.

An amazing collection that follows the evolution of a great contemporary poet. Gathering poems from his many earlier books as well as including a book-length collection of new poems, the collection wisely uses chronology to show Dawes's growth as a poet, even as many of his themes - music, particularly reggae and the blues, race, sex, relationships, the struggle to survive in a harsh world. The title of the book comes from a Bob Marley song; a duppy in Jamaican culture is a malevolent spirit working toward a harmful outcome. While the poems here highlight the struggle, they never give in to hopelessness. A powerful collection; highly recommended.

I have not read this poetry yet but wanted to alert potential readers to the highly complimentary and interesting review in the Sunday, Dec 29, 2013 Book Review. Based on that review, I intend to buy this book--and if I feel I have anything to add, I may update this review then.