Shine, Perishing Republic

Shine, Perishing Republic is a brilliant overview of the poetry of Robinson Jeffers, written at the height of Jeffers' popularity in the 1930s before his reputation was vilified for political reasons. With great erudition and myriad references to both the classic texts of mysticism and to early 20th century philosophy and criticism, Rudolph Gilbert elucidates Jeffers' worldview and his philosophy of Inhumanism-of "breaking out of humanity" and the veneer of civilization through to vital nature and truth. Gilbert situates Jeffers among the pagans of pre-Socratic Greece, and among more recent anti-modern authors such as Nietzsche, Spengler, Céline, Ortega y Gasset, D.H. Lawrence, and Proust. Featuring in-depth analyses of some of Jeffers' best poems, including Meditation on Saviors, Roan Stallion, Tamar, Coast Range Christ, Cawdor, Dear Judas, Thurso's Landing, Give Your Heart to the Hawks, and more.