A Book of Variations

The range of bpNichol's output is unparalleled, the reach of his curiosity, wit and inventiveness, immeasurable. Concrete poetry, novels, comics, sound poetry and even a television show, Fraggle Rock - it's his eclecticism and love of 'borderblur' that make bp so unique. The perfect counterpoint to his acclaimed nine-volume long poem, The Martyrology, the three long-lost classics contained in a book of variations showcase Nichol's diverse, sprawling imagination. Placing love: a book of remembrances, zygal: a book of mysteries and translations and art facts: a book of contexts side by side, as they were meant to be, this fun and ephemeral collection may prove to be Nichol's most lasting and important contribution to poetry. 'bpNichol was, and still is, the essential poet for so many of us.' -- Michael Ondaatje 'This is bpNichol at his young, whimsical, charming, sweet, magical, formally inventive, childlike, zany, fecund, h-h-h-heavenly best. A total delight from beginning to beginning again.' -- Charles Bernstein