Duncan, Robert (Vol. 15) - Introduction

Duncan, Robert 1919–

Duncan is an American poet, critic, playwright, essayist, and editor. He is one of the best known of the Black Mountain Poets, and the influence of this group is felt throughout his work. The projectivists' concern with modes, forms, and measure in poetry informs all Duncan's verse. However, the tendency of the projectivists to add private perceptions not necessarily relevant to the thematic development of a poem has caused some critics to label his verse obscure and difficult. Duncan's poetic language is characterized by his love for word play and his unique syntax. (See also CLC, Vols. 1, 2, 4, 7, and Contemporary Authors, Vols. 9-12, rev. ed.)