Sunday, February 17, 2019

Ai and Black Book History



Ai was well known for her dramatic monologues. She'd write in the voice of a wide variety of people, often those in struggling positions. She also sought to imagine and display the inner thoughts of politicians and celebrities, here and there.

About 20 years ago, I attended a reading that Ai gave, and I was struck by her noting that her books sold well for her publisher W. W. Norton & Company. I've rarely heard poets speak of good sells the way she did.

I wanted to make sure I noted Ai's works as I considered Black Book History.


Related:
Black Book History, February 2019

No comments: