Selected Early Poems of William Carlos Williams is a collection that showcases the evolution of William Carlos Williams' poetic style. From his early works influenced by romanticism to his later experimentation with modernist techniques, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the poet's career.

Williams' ability to capture the beauty of everyday moments is evident throughout the collection. His vivid imagery and attention to detail bring to life scenes of nature, urban landscapes, and personal experiences. The simplicity of his language belies the complexity of his themes, which range from love and loss to the passage of time and the nature of art.

One of the standout features of the collection is Williams' innovative use of form. His poems often play with line breaks, punctuation, and spacing, creating visual patterns that enhance the meaning of the text. This experimental approach sets him apart from his contemporaries and highlights his commitment to pushing the boundaries of poetic expression.

Overall, Selected Early Poems of William Carlos Williams is a must-read for fans of modernist poetry and anyone interested in the development of a literary genius. Williams' unique voice and visionary approach to verse make this collection a timeless classic that will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.

Book Description:

Williams was born in Rutherford, New Jersey, a community near the city of Paterson. His father was an English immigrant, and his mother was born in Puerto Rico. He attended public school in Rutherford until 1897, then was sent to study at Château de Lancy near Geneva, Switzerland, the Lycée Condorcet in Paris, France, for two years and Horace Mann School in New York City. Then, in 1902, he entered the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. During his time at Penn, Williams befriended Ezra Pound, Hilda Doolittle (best known as H.D.) and the painter Charles Demuth. These friendships supported his growing passion for poetry. He received his M.D. in 1906 and spent the next four years in internships in New York City and in travel and postgraduate studies abroad (e.g., at the University of Leipzig where he studied pediatrics). He returned to Rutherford in 1910 and began his medical practice, which lasted until 1951. Ironically, most of his patients knew little if anything of his writings; instead they viewed him as a doctor who helped deliver over 2,000 of their children into the world.