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ISBN: 9781989287095

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The Mean Game

The Mean Game—John Wall Barger’s fourth book-length entry in what might be called, collectively, a savage comedy—bristles with allegories that explore human cruelty and suffering. Gathering narratives that feel both ancient and modern, Barger forges an apocalyptic vision without sacrificing poetry’s underlying sense of joy, humour and revelation. Part comic book translated from a dead language, and part nightmare dreamscape, The Mean Game is a must-read from one of Canada’s most kinetic writers.

Contributors

John Wall Barger

John Wall Barger is the author of three previous books of poetry: Pain-proof Men (2009), Hummingbird (2011), and The Book Of Festus (2015), which was a finalist for the 2016 JM Abraham Poetry Award. His work has appeared in journals such as American Poetry Review, The Cincinnati Review, Poetry Ireland Review, Rattle, and the Best of the Best Canadian Poetry. In 2017, Barger’s poem “Smog Mother” was co-winner of The Malahat Review’s Long Poem Prize. He is currently an editor for Painted Bride Quartlery. He lives in Philadelphia and Halifax.
Chapter Title Contents Contributors Pages Year Price

Preview

 Urgent Message from the Captain of the Unicorn Hunters – Your Suitors – The Wonderful Hat – The Stiltwalkers – The Problem with Love – At the Front – Ash … 21 $2.10

Preview

 My Houseguest – Penitentiary – Tale f the Boy & the Horse Head – Hammer – The Death of Jolly Dolly – Prometheus – Chernobyl – Having Read The Book of … 18 $1.80

Preview

 The External Lung – Inconceivable Mansion – The Swans Flew Out of the Sun – Deus Ex Machina – On the Curiously Sinister Hearts of Donkeys – Utøya – … 18 $1.80

Preview

 Last Book of the Last Library on Earth – The Thief – The Fathers of Dairy Gertrude – I Am a Cell – The Prince with No Asshole – Cuthbert’s Plan – Crow … 19 $1.90