Scottish poets. I should say right away that when Ric and also the Buffalo
list implied that comments on the introduction to the Other anthology would be
welcome, it set a rather peculiar task: to comment on an introduction rather
too long for the actual anthology and without having seen the anthology in
question. I decided to respond in a more than anodyne way so as to help to
drum up interest, especially in the States. That is, I only want to be of
use.
My comments on Scotland were, therefore, motivated entirely by the information
in the introduction, and were on reflection too casual. But I learn that
there's no representation of the Gaelic Scots revival or of Welsh poetry, and
this is linked with the absence of Punjabi Scot or rural African English (?).
OK, define those out if you must because of tight parameters, but some of the
life goes out of poetry if you do. I also note the apparent absence of W.N.
Herbert, Edwin Morgan, and for "logistic reasons" Finlay, all three of whom
seem to me stronger than some of the likely English includees. But I really
don't want to play the game of who's missed out. My main concern was that the
definition of "Other" seemed mostly English-led -- events in London bulk large
in the historical imagination, activity in Glasgow perhaps less so. JUDGING
BY THE INTRODUCTION.
I have added as forcefully as I can that I don't mind this slight bias
considering that an editor can't function without a particular point of view,
i.e., a bias. I think the anthology could make a great difference in the
States and that it should be talked up as much as possible. After a flurry or
two on the Buffalo list and my own contribution there's not much being said --
after all, it's rare for me, for example, to access a web site. Shouldn't
listees be advertising it in the States?
If Ric has some correction of substance to make to my remarks, I'd be glad to
retract on the Buffalo list (where the comment is most important right now)
any factual error or gross misunderstanding.
Best
Doug
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