Dec 26, 2009

Autumn Begins in Martins Ferry, Ohio | What Do I Read Next?

James Wright’s first published collection of poems, The Green Wall (1957), and his second, Saint Judas (1959), make for interesting comparison to his third book, The Branch Will Not Break (1963), which includes “Autumn Begins in Martins Ferry, Ohio.” After reading the first two and then the third, one can easily see his change in style and understand what sent many poetry critics to their opposing corners.

To a Blossoming Pear Tree (1977) was Wright’s last collection published before his death. The poems in it represent yet another departure...