VOICE OF THE POET William Carlos Williams

Listening to William Carlos Williams read his poetry requires several adjustments. First, one has to get used to his voice, which is high-pitched and reedy; his delivery has little dramatic flair and is sometimes downright flat. The poems vary in sound quality from piece to piece, and some have unintended additions like a dog's bark or the rustle of a turning page. Still, it's fascinating to hear this influential American poet and to discover little-known poems next to more famous ones like "The Red Wheelbarrow" and "This Is Just To Say." The packaging, which includes a companion book containing poem texts interspersed with quotes from the poet and a biographical essay by McClatchy, enhances the offering substantially. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 05/ JAN 06]