Riprap and Cold Mountain Poems

Forty-five years ago, Gary Snyder's first book of poems, Riprap, was published by Origin Press in a beautiful paperbound edition stitched Japanese-style. Around that time Snyder published his translations of Chinese poet Han-Shan's Cold Mountain Poems in the sixth issue of the "Evergreen Review." Thus was launched one of the most remarkable literary careers of the last century. It is a great gift for all readers to now have this seminal collection back in print.

"Long ago staked his claim as one of America's finest poets...[An] unswerving integrity [is] present throughout the development of Snyder's poetic sensibility."
-- Boston Herald

"This poet's great gift has always been perfect visual clarity... and, needless to say, derives from Snyder's vision in the larger sense."
-- Paul Berman, The Village Voice

"The master of lucid meditation."
-- Los Angeles Times Book Review