This anthology is intended to serve as an archival counter-memory, illuminating the gaps in what has been presented as “American poetry” and “American culture.”
Juliana Chang, the editor of Quiet Fire, introduces this poetry anthology with a reminder. Chang wants the readers to know that Asian American poetry has a longer, older tradition than one might have been led to believe. Chang states that Asian American poetry dates back to the 1890s with poets like Sadakichi Hartmann (secretary to Walt Whitman) and Yone Noguchi. The tradition has carried on among Asian American writers- Chang includes poems that date up to 1970.
After the introduction, Quiet Fire includes poems by Moon Kwan, Jose Garcia Villa, Jun Fujita, and many more. Brief biographies of the authors can be found toward the back of the book, as well as the written memories of different Asian American literary movements and poetry scenes.
Not only can you enjoy various poems in Quiet Fire, but you can also learn about a vital part of poetry history in America that was once overlooked. Quiet Fire is available for check out here at the library.
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