ABSTRACT

First published in 1967, this is a study which tackles the central problem of meaning, within Ezra Pound's The Cantos. It deals with the question of important critical issues, as well as of interpretation and understanding. Students of modern poetry will derive great benefit from this vigorous and lucid analysis of Pound's masterpiece. Noel Stock's finding is radical: that The Cantos is not a really a poem at all, but rather notes towards a poem. It is a collection of fragments of varying quality - some of extraordinary power and beauty - but in no sense formed into a work of art.

chapter I|5 pages

INTRODUCTION

chapter III|8 pages

NUEVO MUNDO 1934

chapter IV|16 pages

THE FIFTH DECAD 1937 38

chapter V|6 pages

CHINA AND ADAMS 1940

chapter VI|12 pages

THE PISAN CANTOS 1948

chapter VII|8 pages

ROCK-DRILL 1955

chapter VIII|8 pages

THRONES 1959