The Apple That Astonished Paris: Poems

by Billy Collins

Book Overview

Bruce Weber in the New York Times called Billy Collins "the most popular poet in America." He is the author of many books of poetry, including, most recently, The Rain in Portugal: Poems.

In 1988 the University of Arkansas Press published Billy Collins's The Apple That Astonished Paris, his "first real book of poems," as he describes it in a new, delightful preface written expressly for this new printing to help celebrate...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1557288232
• ISBN13: 9781557288233
• Release Date: February 2006
• Publisher: University of Arkansas Press
• Length: 74 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.1" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

The Amazing Billy Collins

I don't have this book in hand, since I bought it as a gift. Over the years, I have often given Billy's books as gifts. He is a wonderful poet. Makes me laugh. Sometimes makes me tear up.

I think it's his best...[timorous]

I haven't read all his other works, so take this with a grain of salt: From what I've read, this volume is his best. "Vanishing Point", "Hunger"--just two examples of what made me buy this book without hesitation. I am very impressed by this collection of his work. It doesn't have "Memory" or "Lanyard" in it, but it's still bloody wonderful. It's my favorite of his individual volumes. Can't go wrong with it even if it isn't his best.

Some gems

If you know and enjoy Billy's poems this volume is a necessity. There are some earlier pieces that are brilliantly focused and tight -- like a joke and a punchline. Others are more subtle, but always clear in language and meaning. There is no contemporary poet that I would recommend more highly. Also check out The Best Cigarette CD for a great collection of Billy reading his work.