The Art of the Lathe

B.H. Fairchild is one of the important American poets. Important for what he has to say and, even more, for the carefully crafted language in which he says it. The is an exceptional book of poetry, and, in my opinion, a manual on articulating, giving voice to, one's heart. I'm tempted here to quote from the poems, doubtlessly the best way to convey the depth and weight of his work but it's hard not to quote, practically, every poem. In a time of "no time," when efficiency has been elevated to a cult and success is measured by how much one can get others to do more work on one's behalf, Fairchild celebrates those who work, day after day, in the anonymity of hard, manual work. This book is for those readers who need to find beauty even in the dread of repetition and obscured futures. This book celebrates the men and women who no one celebrates, a treatise in "soul'making" written in unsentimental, yet passionate, words. How sadly woundrous that people, poets, artists of the depth and scope of B.H. Fairchild remain gold to be mined in the obscure depth of majestic mountains. Yet, just reading his masterful "Body and Soul" should be enough to procure a miner's hat and begin to mine the rock. Like Robert Hass, but in his own way, Fairchild elevates narrative, stories, to the height of pure poetry. It might recall for you, also, the receptive and heart-breaking beauty of James Wright poems, as another reviewer so wisely pointed out. In the poem "Body and Soul," I must mention it again, Fairchild speaks of men who might have witnessed the difference "between talent and genius." I believe I, too, have such experience with these poems.

This book is so magnificent, I lost my last copy to a friend who borrowed it and couldn't bear to return it. He gave me two liters of his family olive grove's extra virgin olive oil in recompense, and it still was not enough. That's how good this book is.

If small towns, oil fields, farming, frustration, dreams--shattered and hoped for, romantic melancholy of memories, and human longings, frailties, and the truth of life mean something to you then try some BH Fairchild.All men and the women who try to understand them should read and study "Beauty."The rest of the book is just as special. Rugged folks who never thought poetry could touch them will feel these words. Give it a read. You will be filled in some way.

BH Fairchild is one of the best poets writing at the moment. These are examples of a strong narrative voice and a rare example of workingman's poems that doesn't sacrifice craft for feeling.

My copy of this lovely book of poems is tattered and marked and much loved. This was a gift.

The man is brilliant! Read Body & Soul. Breathtaking.

Beautiful poetry. I just found this poet and I am so glad I did. I've now given this book of poetry as gift several times as well.

Thanks