Jerome Rothenberg's seminal anthology moves across temporal and geographical boundaries to expand poetic tradition and ultimately make sense of our shared humanity.
"A core text for poets and musicians looking to explore ritual and meaning beyond the conventions of their genres."—
New York Times
Hailed by Robert Creeley as “both a deeply useful book and an unequivocal delight” and by the
LA Times Book Review
as one of the hundred most recommended American books of the late 20th century, Jerome Rothenberg’s landmark anthology
Technicians of the Sacred
has educated and inspired generations of poets, artists, musicians, and other readers, exposing them to the multiple possibilities of poetry throughout the world. Juxtaposing “primitive” and archaic works of art from many cultures with each other and with avant-garde and experimental poetry, Jerome Rothenberg contends that literature extends beyond specific temporal and geographic boundaries, while acting as a retort to those who would call that larger humanity into question. A half-century since its original publication, this revised and expanded third edition provides readers with a wealth of newly gathered and translated texts from recently reinvigorated indigenous cultures, bringing the volume into the present and further extending the range and depth of what we recognize and read as poetry.