I'M A STRANGER HERE MYSELF; Poems

Toronto: Clarke, Irwin, 1974. Book. Very Good. Hardcover. First Edition. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall. green cloth, gilt spine, 87 pages, in protective mylar jacket, dust jacket has small tear at mid spine. "In this, his ninth book of poetry, Alden Nowlan reaffirms his position as one of Canada's foremost poets. A passionate observer of life, self-mocking and sensitive by turn, he illuminates everyday events with a clarity that allows their deeper realities to stand revealed. Nowlan's new collection discloses a heightened awareness of life, accentuated by a strong sense of the passage of time. With characteristic simplicity and rigorous honesty he writes of the quiet strength of love, the pain and absurd humour of lovers' quarrels; of old desires and the nostalgic memories of past times; of his reaction to being the subject of a 'realistic' documentary film; of the Jelly Bean Man who gives candy to children out of love, not evil; of the familiar dreams, fears, and fiascos of man's life. Nowlan's poetry invites the reader to share in a world that is ironic, yet filled with sympathy and understanding. His unpretentious view of life, his gentle humour and sense of the ridiculous make this a warm and personal collection."- Publisher.