Both Sides of the Niger

For many years I have admired the restless and generously spirited poems of Andrew Kaufman. He really does go to both sides of the Niger--both literally and metaphorically. This is not only a splendid book but it’s also splendid journey! Thomas Lux Kaufman accomplishes what few poets ever achieve – a travel and poetry book combined which is as earthy and spiritual as anything the renowned anthropologist, Levi-Straus could have written. This isn’t an Americanized poetical version of Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, but the real thing. Hal Sirowitz This is a complicated gesture, especially when expressed in the form of poetry, and it can only be accomplished by having a craftsman’s ear for the turn of the line, a palpable generosity of spirit that understands the sameness of us all, and a regard for language that compels the poet to settle on nothing less than getting the words right. Andrew Kaufman understands these things and his poetry is therefore worthy of our attention and our praise. Bruce Weigl As in his earlier collection, Earth’s Ends, Andrew Kaufman here takes the considerable risk of writing poems based on experiences sought, at least in part, for the purpose. They splendidly transcend reportage, largely because of Kaufman’s deep knowledge of the craft. He allows traditional verse into the poems just long enough to establish the contrasting perceptions of order in the observer’s mind and in the cultures observed. Thus he creates an exhilarating balance between the joys of discovery and the tragic limits of our understanding. Henry Taylor