The Language Letters

Selected 1970s Correspondence of Bruce Andrews, Charles Bernstein, and Ron Silliman

Matthew Hofer, Michael Golston, Matthew Hofer, Michael Golston

• Publisher: University of New Mexico Press
• Year: 2019
• Print ISBN: 9780826360656
• eBook ISBN: 9780826360663
• Topic: Literature
• Subtopic: Literary Letters
• Index: Literature

Bruce Andrews and Charles Bernstein released the first issue of the poetics newsletter L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E in 1978, launching language-centered writing. The Language Letters reveals Language poetry in its nascent stage, with letters written by Andrews, Bernstein, Ron Silliman, and others in intense and intimate conversation regarding poetry and poetics; the contemporary poetry and arts scenes; publication venues, journals, and magazines; and issues of community, camaraderie, and friendship. The editors have included two critical introductions, two interviews with Bernstein and Andrews, and appendices that include a previously unpublished essay on Larry Eigner by Robert Grenier and short biographies of the major authors. Written between 1970 and 1978, these letters detail the development of the concepts and styles that came to define one of the most influential movements in post-1960s writing. Scholars, writers, and students of poetry will find this collection essential to understanding this important period of literary history.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Series Page
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Table of Contents
• Acknowledgments
• Note on the Text
• Preface: L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E Notification Flyer, August 1977 by Bruce Andrews and Charles Bernstein
• Introduction: “More Public” by Matthew Hofer
• Introduction: “Correspondence beyond the Letter” by Michael Golston
• The Language Letters
• Appendix 1. Robert Grenier/Bruce Andrews Letters and “Three Possibilities—for Larry Eigner”
• Appendix 2. The Pacifica Interview: Susan Howe with Bruce Andrews and Charles Bernstein
• Appendix 3. Contemporary Interview: Michael Golston and Matthew Hofer with Bruce Andrews and Charles Bernstein
• Appendix 4. Mailin Labels for Original ~250 Subscribers
• Appendix 5. Language Distributing Service Flyer
• Glossary of Major Authors of Letters
• Glossary of Cited Magazines and Journals
• Index