Martyrology Books 1 & 2


Book Description

BpNichol's The Martyrology is a long poem begun in 1967 and continuing until Nichol's death in 1988. It includes Book 1 (1972), Book 2 (1972), Books 3 & 4 (1976), Book 5 (1982), Book 6 (1987), gifts: Books 7 & 8 (1990), and Ad Sanctos: Book 9 (1992). The text in this volume is a facsimile of the 1977 edition of Books 1 & 2. --Coach House Books.







Martyrology Books 3 & 4


Book Description

'All of Nichol's work is stamped by his desire to create texts that are engaging in themselves as well as in context, and to use indirect structural and textual devices to carry meaning. In The Martyrology different ways of speaking testify to a journey through different ways of being. Language is both the poet’s instructor and, through its various permutations, the dominant 'image' of the poem. The [nine] books of The Martyrology document a poet’s quest for insight into himself and his writing through scrupulous attention to the messages hidden in the morphology of his own speech.’ – Frank Davey







A Sourcery for Books 1 and 2 of BpNichol's The Martyrology


Book Description

Nichol's The Martyrology has been acclaimed the most important long poem ever written in Canada. Based on extensive research of Nichol's manuscript collection at Simon Fraser University, Niechoda has been able to explain many of the obscure words and phrases in the first two books of The Martyrology. Any future reading of the poem will necessarily rely on Niechoda's illuminations.




Martyrology Books 1 & 2


Book Description

‘All of Nichol’s work is stamped by his desire to create texts that are engaging in themselves as well as in context, and to use indirect structural and textual devices to carry meaning. In The Martyrology different ways of speaking testify to a journey through different ways of being. Language is both the poet’s instructor and, through its various permutations, the dominant ‘image’ of the poem. The [nine] books of The Martyrology document a poet’s quest for insight into himself and his writing through scrupulous attention to the messages hidden in the morphology of his own speech.’ — Frank Davey.







The Alphabet Game


Book Description

bpNichol was one of Canada's most innovative, eclectic, entertaining, and, yes, enigmatic poets, making startling interventions in the development of poetry and profoundly influencing both his own and subsequent generations of writers. The Alphabet Game: A bpNichol Reader amasses key texts from the very broad spectrum of Nichol's work, including both classic favourites and more obscure treasures. From the early typewriter poetry of Konfessions of an Elizabethan Fan Dancer and the life-long poem The Martyrology to the heartbreaking prose of Journal and the whimsical autobiography of Selected Organs , The Alphabet Game traces the trajectory of this wildly imaginative and prolific poet. This Nichol anthology is an ideal introduction for readers encountering Nichol for the first time, and a much-needed compendium for Nichol fans seeking access to works not readily available. 'His wit, along with the seriousness, was there to keep the language free and untethered, to keep the poem aware of its roots, like a tuxedo worn with bare feet in a muddy river ... No other writer of our time and place was so diverse, attempted so much, and never lost sight of his intent.' - Michael Ondaatje




The Roman Martyrology


Book Description

The Roman Martyrology is an official and accredited record, on the pages of which are set forth in simple and brief, but impressive words, the glorious deeds of the Soldiers of Christ in all ages of the Church; of the illustrious Heroes and Heroines of the Cross, whom her solemn verdict has beatified or canonized. In making up this long roll of honor, the Church has been actuated by that instinctive wisdom with which the Spirit of God, who abides in her and teaches her all truth, has endowed her, and which permeates through and guides all her actions. She is the Spouse of Christ, without spot or wrinkle or blemish, wholly glorious and undefiled, whom He loved, for whom He died, and to whom He promised the Spirit of Truth, to comfort her in her dreary pilgrimage through this valley of tears, and to abide with her forever. She is one with Him in Spirit and in love, she is subject to Him in all things; she loves what He loves, she teaches and practises what He commands. Aeterna Press




Martyrology Books 3 & 4


Book Description

'All of Nichol's work is stamped by his desire to create texts that are engaging in themselves as well as in context, and to use indirect structural and textual devices to carry meaning. In The Martyrology different ways of speaking testify to a journey through different ways of being. Language is both the poetÕs instructor and, through its various permutations, the dominant 'image' of the poem. The [nine] books of The Martyrology document a poetÕs quest for insight into himself and his writing through scrupulous attention to the messages hidden in the morphology of his own speech.Õ Ð Frank Davey