ArchivesSpace at the University of Iowa

Although Cobbing is not generally thought of as producing language poetry, the clusters of seemingly meaningless words and unrelated phrases could place this book into such a category. It is of interest that Cobbing had later collaborations with Bruce Andrews, a recognized language poet. The work might also have originated from the cut-up technique but handwritten notes (Notes for (from) Chamber Music), held by the Sackner Archive suggest the former expalanation. -- Source of annotation: Marvin or Ruth Sackner.

Although Cobbing is not generally thought of as composing language poetry, the clusters of seemingly meaningless words and unrelated phrases could place this book into such a category. It is of interest that Cobbing had later collaborations with Bruce Andrews, a recognized language poet. The work might also have originated from the cut-up technique but handwritten notes (Notes for (from) Chamber Music), held by the Sackner Archive suggest the former explanation. -- Source of annotation: Marvin or Ruth Sackner.

Cobbing provides handwritten instructions for reading and ordering the sequence of each part of the poem, e.g. slow to lively, slow solemn, quick lively etc. -- Source of annotation: Marvin or Ruth Sackner.

This handwritten manuscript is subtitled "how it all began." -- Source of annotation: Marvin or Ruth Sackner.