The life and work of a major American poet described in his own words. "There is something about the very form and occasion of a letter-the possibility it offers, the chance to be as open and tentative and uncertain as one likes and also the chance to formulate certain ideas, very precisely-if one is lucky in one's thoughts," wrote James Wright, one of the great lyric poets of the last century, in a letter to a friend. A Wild Perfection is a compelling...

The Vietnam War is largely recalled as a mistake, either in the decision to engage there or in the nature of the engagement. Or both. Veterans of the war remain largely anonymous figures, accomplices in the mistake. Critically recounting the steps that led to the war, this book does not excuse the mistakes, but it brings those who served out of the shadows. Enduring Vietnam recounts the experiences of the young Americans who fought in Vietnam and...

“Robots Won't Save Japan” addresses the Japanese government's efforts to develop care robots in response to the challenges of an aging population, rising demand for eldercare, and a critical shortage of care workers. Drawing on ethnographic research at key sites of Japanese robot development and implementation, James Wright reveals how such devices are likely to transform the practices, organization, meanings, and ethics of caregiving if implemented...

Wander off the beaten path in this collection of essays that follow the excursions of two pedestrians in Europe. Rather than racking up miles in the obvious museums, husband and wife meander through the streets of Paris in search of the perfect thrift store, intense dark chocolat, and radical poster art. In Ireland, after tramping over limestone karst and occupying neolithic forts, they seek, and find, an ancient well of bardic inspiration. The island...

Unable to escape the long shadow of childhood trauma, Owen Black takes his sorrow into the woods, never to return. However, the trees know him and they have a different idea. They, too, have experienced abuse and they will not bear passive witness to his suffering. Instead, Owen is transported entirely out of his world and deposited in a deep, mysterious forest. Within this complex biological system dwells a vast arboreal mind, a mind linked to other...

The Vietnam War is largely recalled as a mistake, either in the decision to engage there or in the nature of the engagement. Or both. Veterans of the war remain largely anonymous figures, accomplices in the mistake. Critically recounting the steps that led to the war, this book does not excuse the mistakes, but it brings those who served out of the shadows. Enduring Vietnam recounts the experiences of the young Americans who fought in Vietnam and...

Using recovered alien technology, the nations of Earth have collaborated on an immense defense program to protect the planet. But nothing can prepare people for the aliens' advanced and unprecedented force. Only the ingenuity of a few brave men and women can bring the world back from the brink of extinction

Step into the arena as Godzilla's most dangerous allies and scariest nemeses square off in a series of sense-shattering showdowns! The world is pretty big. You'd think there'd be enough room for all the kaiju to claim their stomping grounds, but even giant monsters aren't above needing to protect their territory. Godzilla has friends and foes, and in turn, they vie against each other for dominance. In this quartet of standalone stories, different...