Eric Selland

Selland considers the delicate relationship between language and perception, with a particular focus on the influence of cultural context. His poetic and translation work demonstrates a deep engagement with both Japanese and English literary traditions. Selland’s modernist and experimental poetry often reflects themes of memory and place, employing a style that balances precision and clarity. His work highlights the subtle shifts in meaning that occur in translation and everyday life, thus offering readers a nuanced exploration of language's impact on understanding and interpretation.\n\nAs a translator, Selland brings a careful and nuanced approach to his work, ensuring that the experimental and avant-garde qualities of Japanese poetry are preserved. This expertise is evident in his translation of "The Guest Cat" by Takashi Hiraide, which gained significant recognition as a "New York Times" bestseller, and "The Day Laid Bare" by Kiwao Nomura, noted as a Recommended Translation by The Poetry Book Society. Selland’s dual focus on both literary and technical translation further underscores his professional versatility, enabling him to bridge disparate cultural and linguistic worlds. \n\nSelland’s influence extends beyond individual works, as seen in his collaborative projects, such as co-editing an anthology of twentieth-century Japanese experimental poetry with Sawako Nakayasu. Readers who engage with Selland’s work gain insights into the complex interplay between different languages and cultures, making his contributions vital to the fields of contemporary poetry and Japanese-English translation. His books, including "Object States" and "Beethoven’s Dream", offer a profound engagement with language that resonates with those interested in the intricate dynamics of translation and the cultural nuances embedded in literary expression.