The Star by My Head

“Any book contextualizing the sheer brilliance and intense interiority of a tradition that includes Södergran, Ekelöf, and Tranströmer is bound to be an extraordinary gift, especially coming from the hands of a gifted poet and translator like Malena Mörling.”

“Poets like these make us stop and look at the rooftops of our own streets, at park benches and balconies and see—well, they give us permission to see—wonder instead of destruction, grace instead of despair, a wooing whisper instead of mere ironic talking, clarity instead of the vague and sardonic assumptions that are so common in contemporary American poetry. This book won’t just tell us something about Swedish poetry, it will help us to see ourselves in a new way.”

“The Star by My Head provides an excellent introduction to the tradition of Modern lyric Swedish poets, poetry, and how their tradition has transformed, carried on, and influenced the world of poetry. This anthology will help influence an even greater English-speaking audience.”

“This is a selection splendidly edited to highlight the history of what is Swedish about Swedish poetry, without avoiding the obvious fact that the younger poets are influenced by many other poetries, mostly American. The stark delight of luminous starlit nights and emotional landscapes makes this a compelling journey.”