Manhattan: An Archaeology

MANHATTAN: An Archaeology presents Eileen R. Tabios' latest innovative approach to poetry-making. In this book, she uses a diverse set of "artifacts" to excavate a version of New York City's historical birthplace. Artifacts include the unexpected and the ineffable to create a city only she can imagine-while they include a pearl necklace, piece of pineapple skin, yoga mat, black sateen, and bullet, the "objects" for perusal also range over moonlight, "withheld forgiveness," and duende. The result, too, is unexpected and ineffable: Poetry that delights and intrigues. Some receptive readers will wake from the book missing something they hadn't realized they missed, longing for something they hadn't realized they desired.