Deniability: Poems
| Company type | Poetry anthology |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature, Poetry |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Founder | George Witte |
| Products | Poetry collection |
| Parent | Orchises Press |
Deniability: Poems is a 2009 poetry anthology by the American poet George Witte, released by Orchises Press.
Premise
In Deniability: Poems, Witte reflects on the personal and collective aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent military conflicts, focusing on the evolution of American democracy and ethical considerations. The collection begins with "Uh Oh," a poem centered on 9/11, from which Witte investigates how warfare reshapes national identity and moral values.
Reviews
Midwest Poetry Review commended Witte's work, stating, "Poetry has existed as long as language itself... At its finest, it serves as intellectual music. George Witte's poetry in Deniability exemplifies this quality," emphasizing his talent in creating evocative imagery and exploring ethical depth.
According to Library Journal, Deniability offers a sharp examination of challenging times through carefully chosen language, effectively addressing clichés, euphemisms, and doublespeak. The collection was characterized as intelligent, relevant, and strongly endorsed.
The Environmentalist praised the book for its courageous engagement with the complexities of the war on terror over an eight-year span, highlighting its clarity, meticulous word arrangement, and candid poetry as vital for comprehending recent historical events.
Author
George Witte has published four poetry collections: An Abundance of Caution (Unbound Edition Press, 2023), Does She Have a Name? (NYQ Books, 2014), Deniability: Poems (Orchises Press, 2009), and The Apparitioners: Poems (Three Rail Press, 2005).
His poems have appeared in notable literary magazines such as The Atlantic, Boulevard, Gettysburg Review, The Kenyon Review, Ploughshares, Prairie Schooner, New York Quarterly, Southwest Review, and Virginia Quarterly Review.
Witte’s career in book publishing spans nearly four decades at St. Martin's Press, where he has held roles including editor, Picador USA publisher, and currently editor-in-chief. He lives in Ridgewood, New Jersey with his family.
Links to Reviews
- Midwest Book Review of Deniability
- The Environmentalist review of Deniability
- The Chicago Sun-Times review of Deniability
- The Huffington Post review of Deniability
- Library Journal review of Deniability