Author: R. N. Taylor
Genre: Poetry
The first thing that is noticeable about the Gothic Trilogy is the layout and design of the book. It is exceptionally well designed, with visually pleasing typography that is both aesthetic and non-obtrusive.
The paper quality is also much higher than that found in mass-market paperbacks.
The second point that arises with Gothic Trilogy is that it’s not just a collection of poetry—it is a highly symbolic and semi-autobiographical work that tells a tale through carefully deployed metaphors and parables.
The stage is set at the beginning, which starts with ‘A Journey Through the Wasteland,’ where the archetype of a warrior/shamanic figure appears, bearing the symbolism of three feathers: White, Red, and Black. The symbolism of this becomes clear as the reader progresses through the book.
The first piece, ‘The Grey Man Passes, ‘ deals with mortality and the grasp of the Thanatos/Death drive, which is the foundation of all spiritual revelations and epiphanies.
The second piece, ‘A Polemical Poem in Parody,’ is inspired by the works of T. S. Elliot, Ezra Pound, and other poets. As an introduction to the piece, Taylor provides us with a commentary on Anglo-Saxon literature and T. S. Elliot’s own style and form of verse. Of the sections in the book, this one is probably the most symbolic. My favourite part here is the reference to the finance industry:
Nor shall starched white collars and tailored suits
Be my public face,
Nor limpid resignation be my guiding trait,
Nor bowler hat, nor interest rates,
Nor banker’s house and flat dry speech.
Then the reader is taken from ‘Beyond the Wasteland’ to ‘Faust,’ and introduced to Faust via a warning that civilization sits precariously on the verge of doom and is facing a great decline on many fronts—which is the perfect introduction to ‘Faust, a New Wave Gothic Epic in Four Parts’.
Faust is also available on ‘Men Among Mice’ for people who would prefer an audio version and on YouTube.
The book also features an appendix that helps explain some of the more complex symbolism.
All in all, Gothic Trilogy is a high caliber poetic work with an artistic layout. The mythical/symbolist elements in the book are intricately entwined with commentaries on the nature of culture and the spirit. It is therefore a must have for all true connoisseurs of poetry.
Copies are available from:
The Red Salon
PO Box 354
West Union WV 26456
United States of America