MAKINGS: Explorations in the Poetry of Thought

In Makings, Steven Miller explores the poetry of thought, the borderland where poetry meets untrammeled philosophy.

The first section consists of aphorisms and other literary fragments. In the second section, symbols of reality, and of the sounds of our language, are inscribed on a map of the world. Section three, composed in theme-and-variations form, sings of the self-creative personality, a humanist ideal. Section four presents brief timelines of reality and the imagination. Sections five and six are collage poems concerning Henry David Thoreau. In sections seven and eight, a picture poem and a metrical poem conclude the book.

There is a rich world of expression that lies beyond narrative and beyond exposition. Makings explores some of the possibilities in this world. It does so in forms old and new and in voices playful and ecstatic. The variety of subjects and forms is very much part of the plan of the book.

REVIEWS and COMMENTS

“A stunning book in every sense.” Ben Grant, Lecturer at University of Oxford

“Thank you so much for your precision and wisdom.” James Richardson, poet, Professor at Princeton University

“A handsome book with some very fine aphorisms, which I very much enjoyed reading.” James Geary, author of Geary’s Guide to the World’s Great Aphorists, Lecturer at Harvard University

"...pushes the boundaries of artistic creation as it relates to philosophical thought...Miller infuses his writing with lyrical beauty and provides a highly thought-provoking collection...A pithy, probing work that skillfully examines poetry and philosophy." Kirkus Reviews

“Lively, formally inventive, unorthodox.” Paul Grimstad, Lecturer at Yale University

“So simple, clear, and pointed.” James Lough, co-editor of Short Flights and Short Circuits

“Makings is intriguing, imaginative, insightful, punctuated with wit and wry humor.” Edward P. Kaufman, psychotherapist and poet

"Ideal for lovers of poetry and philosophy, as it shows how engagement with poetry can uniquely structure philosophical thoughts." Readers' Favorite Five Stars Review

“I am browsing through Makings with much pleasure—and the book as a physical object is handsome.” Andrew Hui, author of A Theory of the Aphorism

“A gorgeously made book.” H. L. Hix, poet and philosopher

“…aphorisms, urbane and often funny.” Lance Larson, Professor at Brigham Young University

Comments on an earlier book by Steven Miller, a selection of his aphorisms:

“They made me think.” Arthur Koestler, author of Darkness at Noon

“M’ont beaucoup intéressé.” Jean Rostand, scientist and philosopher

“Excellent seeds for reflection.” Henry Geiger, editor of MANAS

“Provocative. They probe, they prod. They’re one part reading and twenty parts thinking.” Allan S. Katz

“Essence of thought with economy of words.” Nathaniel Cohen, author

AVAILABILITY

Copies of the Second Edition of Makings are available at Amazon



A preview of the Third Edition of Makings is available right here