Heidegger and Poetry in the Digital Age - (Bloomsbury Studies in Philosophy and Poetry) by Rachel Coventry (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In this original study, Rachel Coventry expands Heidegger's philosophy of art to include his ontological account of poetry and technology. Following Heidegger's definition of technology as preventing authentic poetic language, alongside his argument that poetry can successfully confront technology, Coventry considers the possibility of great poetry in the digital age.

This approach takes us beyond conventional literary criticism, using different case studies from contemporary poetry including eco-poetry, digital poetry and post-internet poetry. Heidegger and Poetry in the DigitalAge asks provocative questions to progress the philosophical study of poetry, tracing new lines of thought in Heidegger studies and critical studies of contemporary poetry. Does the digital thwart the aim of eco-poetry? Do poetic movements that use modern technology provide us with a way to overcome the negative effects of technology? What are the ontological consequences of employing new formats for poetry? This book examines these tensions to provide a phenomenological account of digital poetry that grounds poetic metaphor in Heidegger's metaphysics.

Review Quotes

A fascinating, original, and highly readable examination of digital poetry through a Heideggerian lens. Undoubtedly, this book will be essential reading for scholars and students of late Heidegger, and those who are concerned with the meaning and relevance of contemporary poetry.
William Large, Associate Professor In Continental Philosophy, University of Gloucestershire, UK

Can great poetry be written in the digital age, in digital media, in English? These questions are and must be essential to Heideggerian poetics. Coventry here offers a sparkling elucidation of this question, with a clear and intimate reading of both Heidegger and contemporary poetry.
Eoghan Walls, Senior Lecturer of English and Creative Writing, Lancaster University, UK

About the Author

Rachel Coventry teaches at the University of Galway, Ireland.