Description
Ezra Pound, a towering figure in modernist poetry, passed away on November 1, 1972, in Venice, Italy. His death marked the end of an era characterized by his influential works, including The Cantos, and his complex legacy intertwined with controversial political affiliations. Pound’s contributions to literature were monumental, shaping the trajectory of 20th-century poetry and mentoring contemporaries like T.S. Eliot and James Joyce. This issue of the Occident journal, published shortly after his death, serves as a reflective piece on his enduring impact on the literary world.
In addition, this issue is distinguished by its inclusion of the Robert Crumb 1/2 page illustration and Raymond Carver’s short story “The Pheasant.” Crumb’s single-panel comic by stars none other than Mr. Natural—his legendary counterculture guru known for dispensing warped wisdom and existential shrugs to his perpetually confused disciple, Flakey Foont. It’s classic Crumb: strange, funny, and slightly unsettling…and especially rare appearances like this one outside the usual Zap/Head stash; it adds a visual depth that complements the journal’s literary content. Carver’s “The Pheasant” exemplifies his minimalist style, capturing the nuances of everyday life and human emotion. Together, these contributions underscore Occident‘s role in showcasing diverse voices and artistic expressions during a transformative period in literature.
A rare convergence of literary and artistic brilliance, this Occident issue encapsulates a pivotal moment in postmodern literature.
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