The powerful story of an art that has transformed the cultural landscape, from an award-winning poet, professor, and slam champion.
“AN ARTISTIC HISTORY” New York Times | “A RICH HYBRID AUTOBIOGRAPHY AND HISTORY” The New Yorker | “A MUST-READ” Roger Robinson | “DYNAMIC” Luke Kennard | “CAPTURES LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE” Therí A. Pickens | “MAGNIFICENT” Cornel West
In 2009, at just 20 years old, Joshua Bennett was invited to recite a poem for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House Poetry, Music, and the Spoken Word event. Spike Lee and Saul Williams were in the audience, and it turned out to be the same event where Lin-Manuel Miranda presented the early version of a show that revolutionized musical theater - Hamilton.
Combining autobiography and literary analysis, Bennett shows how a handful of visionaries changed contemporary culture. With passion, humor, and sophistication, he chronicles the history of spoken poetry, as well as his coming-of-age journey as a writer. From the early influence of Miguel Algarín and the Nuyorican Poets Café to Amanda Gorman’s poem at President Joe Biden’s inauguration, he honors the contributions of legendary figures such as Ntozake Shange, Nikki Giovanni, and Miguel Piñero, as well as how artists like MF DOOM, Jill Scott, and Mos Def were inspired to develop their art through their shared tradition.
Oral Poetry illuminates the profound influence that poetry has had wherever melodic words are heard, from the West End to the academy, from the steps of political protests to cafés, from schools to rooms full of strangers around the world.
Pages: 304, Dimensions: 14.4x14.4cm
