Poet and Poem: An Approach to Genius

Abstract

F EW contemporary poets have produced literary works that are equal to those of Mortimer Porringer, for whom, it seems, that ...the recognition of poetic genius begins its incubation in the grave of the master.' Unfortunately, Porringer's poetry does not appear to be included in modern anthologies; indeed, the examination of eighteen recently, published poetry anthologies reveals that none includes any of the Porringer poems. Porringer's poetry is unknown to students of English literature. Of eight hundred undergraduate English majors interviewed, not one had read any of Porringer's works or had even heard of Mortimer Porringer. Such neglect of a major contemporary poet seems inexcusable.