The Whole Motion: Collected Poems, 1945-1992

Dickey writes with a passion for man and his relation to nature (both the wondrous and sinister sides)and his struggle for meaning in an often hostile universe. His themes tend to explore metaphysical depths. His diction is simple yet has the ability to elevate the ordinary & mundane world into the extroadinary and significant, if not the spiritual. His use of metaphor and simile is superbly crafted and carries a unique flavor quite unlike many other poets of his time. From the wonderful narrative poem "Cherrylog Road," to lyrical love pieces like "Place," & "The Beholders," Dickey's verse maintains that inimitable tone and style that has assured him a spot as one of the most gifted poets of the 20th century.

I became familiar with James Dickey while pursuing my BFA in writing, and I keep finding myself coming back to his poetry. All of the "famous" ones are here, as well as a few lesser-known gems--such as "Pursuit From Under"--that cannot be lived without,especially if you love great poetry. Dickey was persecuted after "The Fire Bombing" because it showed the bombing of Japan in WWII as beautiful, but it is easy, when reading the poem, to forgive this and understand that Dickey was one of the great masters of poetry. I rank him among the best and most gifted. It's amazing that a man who was once an executive for big buisiness turned out some of the most important poetry ever written. Sensitive and enlightening, this is a collection I would recomment to anyone. Peace not war.

i have been a fan of james dickey's work since college. now that i am teaching a college class in world poetry, i just couldn't resist choosing dickey. the problem was, which book to teach. i decided to use the whole motion because it spans dickey's career, including every important poem of this great, underated american poet. poetry lovers will recognize some of his more anthologized works (the lifeguard, the firebombing, cherrylog road) and will be thrilled to find other penetrating works of art regarding nature, war, guilt, love, family, and so on. i personally recommend the poem drinking from a helmet, one of the greatest american poems i've ever read. if you love dickey's novel deliverance (one of the greatest american novels ever written) as much as i do, then you will certainly love this body of poety, a must for people who are interested in poetry about the power of nature, as well as the intracacies of human nature.