Poetry. Translated from the Slovenian by Michael Biggins. Tomaž Šalamun is perhaps the most popular and prolific poet in Central Europe today. Thanks to the translation of his work he has also been widely acclaimed abroad. To date has had four collections of selected poetry published in English. A BALLAD FOR METKA KRAŠOVEC, originally published in the early 1980s at the mid-point of Šalamun's career, is considered by the author to be one of his finest. The volume is characterized by often striking imagery and a sexual turmoil that is pervasive. As this is the first complete single volume of Šalamun's to appear in English translation, it offers readers a unique opportunity to glimpse the author at a particular stage in his life and creative development, the poems ranging from the incantatory to reflections on his lovers, family, and country, to narrative-style recollections of stays in Mexico and the United States.

"What a strange turn of events that a poet who hails from a country of only two million and writes in a language that very few Americans understand should have such a profound impact on American poetry. But it is the case that Tomaž Šalamun is one of the most influential voices now speaking to younger American poets."—Christopher Merrill

Author City: Zagreb CRO

Born in Zagreb in 1941, Tomaž Šalamun attracted critical notice with his first collection, POKER, which was published when he was only twenty-five. His books have been translated into nineteen languages. He has received many honors and awards including the Preseren Prize, the Jenko Prize, and a Pushcart Prize.

Reviews and Other Links
Publishers Weekly starred review
Robert Hass @ Think Magazine
Ethan Paquin @ Boston Review