Face of Creation

This anthology, a treasure trove of astonishingly original and memorable poems, affirms that poetry is a flourishing art form in Hungary. Evident throughout is a high level of craftsmanship, even as a diverse range of poetic voices are presented: the elegiac Sandor Csoori, the sarcastic Laszlo Kalnoky, the surrealistic Anna Kiss and the violent Laszlo Nagy. Hungary's troubled political history subtly informs and gives character, acting as an omnipresent foil for personal concerns both petty and grave. Kessler, a UCLA English professor and winner of the Hungarian PEN Memorial Medal for several previous translations, creates seamless, flowing renditions. Many of these poems have appeared in The Hungarian Pen, The American Pen, The Paris Review and other publications. Photos not seen by PW. (March)