Jacques Réda’s writing has always investigated the underside of everyday banality. He is famous for writings in verse and prose that record his urban and suburban explorations, on foot, bicycle or Solex. He is also a Jazz critic and an editor of great distinction (he was at the head of the Nouvelle Revue française from 1987 to 1997). His early poetry (Selected Early Poems, tr. Jennie Feldman, Anvil Press, 2005) constantly looks beyond appearances. Les Ruines de Paris (1977) saw a distinctive turn to the outer world, especially the streets of Paris which Réda has explored ever since. His autobiographical gem, Aller aux Mirabelles / The Mirabelle-pickers has just been published by Anvil Press, translated by the distinguished poet, Jennie Feldman.
The poet will read from Les Ruines de Paris, La Liberté des rues, …
