The
Poetic Species: A Conversation with Edward O Wilson and Robert
Hass

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This
brief but resonating conversation records a tolerant and explorative exchange of
ideas on the forces of biology, the use of poetry to witness the majesty of
these forces, and the manner in which they can manifest in society to repay the
initial debt to nature. Poetry offers a medium through which to understand, even
appreciate, the ‘red of tooth and claw’ face of nature. Poetry also enables its
practitioners and readers to make leaps of logic and perception to better
appraise nature and ourselves.

Or that’s at least the way I enjoyed this little volume and, like poetry, I am sure
interpretations will be myriad. ‘The Poetic Species’ also provides a summary and
introduction to some of the works of Wilson and to some of the poets who have
beheld nature. That is a lot to offer in not much more than an hour’s
read.