Alison B. Emery

The library shelves are stocked full of love stories, however, few of them are as epic and engaging as the compilation written here by Anthony Smith. Encompassing a third of a century, the love poems and prose here are part of a long-range, long term relationship involving one of the linguistic masters of a generation. Never, in all my years of editing, have I encountered anyone so well-informed on language, with the imagination to use that knowledge in a competent and completely original manner. For more sensitive readers, I assure you of a happy ending. Rich and rewarding, this book is a tour de force that discriminating readers should not miss.

Few things stir up feelings like food and poetry. People commonly react to food or poetry with exaggerated feelings one way or the other. So I am trying to set the tone for this poetry anthology by comparing it to pizza, arguably the most popular food in America, perhaps the world. So, dig in, there are many slices inside. Some with more cheese, some with less. All in all, I am sure every-one will be satisfied in the end. I like my pizza and poetry with a cold beer and a warm chair; maybe some chips to go crunch and offset the chewiness of the pizza. Whatever your preference, many people worked long and hard to produce this tasty delight. Bon App tit, friend