Description
Book SynopsisA radically open and unrestrained text, an actual person in a concrete historical situation is a fragmented and meandering poem that captures what it feels like to be one person in a vast, overwhelming, crisis-ridden world. Generative rather than directive, the poem magnifies the small, overlooked moments in life; explores flickering thoughts, impressions, impulses; and wallows joyfully in unending confusion.
Trade Review“In An Actual Person in a Concrete Historical Situation, Blake Middleton has funneled the ghost of David Markson through his peculiar, dry, witty lens. These are wondrous messages you might find on any street, messages from a reliable witness to our slow civilizational collapse.” — Marcus Pactor, author of Begat Who Begat Who Begat
“A brief examination of hopelessness that doesn't wallow in hopelessness, that celebrates things in spite of their decay or futility. Middleton confronts the unique futility of poetry with a unique poetry of futility.” — Zac Smith, author of 50 Barn Poems and Everything is Totally Fine
“I wish everyone would write like this— direct, detached, and with unbridled purpose.” — Andrew Weatherhead, author of $50,000
“Thank god for writers like Blake Middleton, who can transform life's unrelenting ennui into a really compelling, funny, enlightening, and occasionally downright heart-warming book. This book is a reminder that you exist, but beyond that, it will make you feel human again.” — Benjamin DeVos, author of The Bar Is Low
