This book is for those who are interested in nothing less than editorial perfection wedded to passion. Unfortunately for those of us who love poetry, most poetry written today is as lazy as it is unsubtle, and though the majority of poetry written in any age is generally less than great, it seems that we have entered an age of unprecedented tolerance for writing that is just plain sloppy and self-indulgent. The subject matter and sentiments expressed in this book are fascinating, but the QUALITY of the language itself is impeccable. Even though Glaser demonstrates a mastery of the fundamental principles of prosody, one need not be an English professor to recognize this underappreciated and rarely-anthologized master's authority of voice. But for the serious poet, it is obvious that everything from line-break to caesura is painstakingly chosen in this book.

Consider the following lines, for example, from the poem "Coroner":

"And then the brain, that braided ball/Of sin and intuition, slides out on its own/Slick pulp..."

or the final lines of "Revelation: The Movie":

"they'll all freeze in their seats, eyeballs wired/from the teaser to The End, each pair scanning for/the flash of a name and a new address, as the credits/crawl up the dark drop of the afterlife."

Elton Glaser is an American poet that deserves a closer look and a wider audience. Killer words!

Glaser's latest book is full of wit and wisdom. He's a king of craft, and his subtle language play is sure to please poets (who can learn from him) and non-poets alike.

Glaser's new book is full of excellent work that shows his mature skills as a poet and observer. Whether read for his mastery over technical prosody or for penetrating insights into his own life and life in general, the poet's "Winter Amnesties" will appeal to every reader who appreciates expert craftsmanship and intelligent views of the human condition.

Elton Glaser's new work presents a rich gumbo of precise observation and down-home longing. Having known Mr. Glaser and his writing for 35 years, I find these poems to be among his finest to date. His potent blend of erudition and Louisiana vernacular creates humor, perception, and profound connection with ourselves. I recommend his work highly to readers who appreciate a master of language, intellect, and emotion in verse.