Fernando Pessoa and Co.: Selected Poems

Just being himself wasn't good enough for Fernando Pessoa, so he divided himself into four distinct, invented personalities ("heteronyms") and wrote poetry from the perspective and in the style of each of them. This in itself is a remarkable feat of literary imagination.The poetry itself (well, this translation of it) is startling. It's direct and plain-spoken for the most part, even allowing for the personality differences. It may look un-poetic, or even awkward, at first reading. But it sticks. Days after reading, you may find lines and phrases of Pessoa & Co. springing up spontaneously in your head, just because they're so sharp and to the point. Getting to know this multitudinous poet is an invigorating experience. Try it yourself.

I've been reading and translating Pessoa for several years now, and know his work very well. I have a few minor quibbles with the introductory material, but that's to be expected. Richard Zenith is a terrific translator, and also obviously an excellent poet. I couldn't possibly praise his work too highly. Fernando Pessoa was a great poet; all lovers of poetry owe Richard Zenith tremendous gratitude. Read this book, and then look for anything else RZ has translated. You won't be disappointed.

This is an excellent book for people who are just discovering the richness of Pessoa's work. Although unknown to many readers prose and poetry of Pessoa deserve the priority on every poetry lover's bookshelf. He will amaze you, his heteronyms will confuse your mind and at the end you'll ask yourself... "How come I've never been introduced to this marvelous writer..to this poet whose honesty is sometimes schocking and to this solitary being ..And you will think and think...yes..he does that well..for days after reading Pessoa's poems you'll remember and tell the tales. :) Happy reading!!

This is a wonderful book of translations, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in Pessoa, modern poetry, Portuguese culture or the psychology of writing (Pessoa was a fantastically bizarre person who developed several personalities, each writing in his own style). It also includes an intelligent and intriguing introduction to Pessoa written by the translator, Richard Zenith.