For fans of Zbigniew Herbert, *Reconstruction of the Poet* is a treasure trove, offering a glimpse into the lesser-known works of one of Poland’s most revered literary figures. This newly translated collection brings together a fascinating mix of Herbert's plays and poems, some of which have never been published before. Spanning almost five decades, from 1950 to 1998, the collection invites readers to delve deep into the mind of a poet who navigated the turbulent landscape of a postwar world while seeking solace in European culture.

The book opens with three plays. "The Philosophers’ Cave" delves into the final days of Socrates, offering a contemplative exploration of wisdom and mortality. "The Other Room" presents a poignant portrayal of Homer as he grapples with the loss of his sight, blending historical reflection with a touch of literary imagination. The titular play, "Reconstruction of the Poet," is perhaps the most unsettling, revolving around a couple anxiously awaiting the death of an elderly woman. While the first two plays might evoke the feel of historical fiction, Herbert’s ability to infuse abstract concepts with life makes them anything but ordinary.

The poetry in this collection covers a wide range of subjects, from commemorating fallen contemporaries to exploring the intensity of erotic experience and the complexities of friendship. Herbert's political and metaphysical musings are especially compelling, as he deftly weaves personal reflection with broader cultural and historical commentary.

However, for those familiar with his more renowned collections, *Reconstruction of the Poet* may feel like a mixed bag—sometimes brilliant, sometimes less so. Yet, this unevenness is also part of the collection's charm, offering a raw and unfiltered look at Herbert’s expansive body of work.

Ultimately, *Reconstruction of the Poet* serves as both an introduction for new readers and a deepened exploration for longtime admirers. Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

I love Herbert's poems but I thought most of this book didn't do him justice. It made me want to go back and read the books I own of his again so I could be reminded of why I respect his poetry so much.

I found Reconstruction of the Poet very enjoyable. I appreciated the Publisher's note at the opening about the importance of formatting poetry and the difficulty of that formatting for digital editions. The book starts with three plays: one about Socrates in the days before his death; one about Homer going blind; and one about a couple waiting for an elderly woman to die. Though the first two plays read like historical fan fiction, I still found them enjoyable, and the third was intriguing and disturbing. I really enjoyed how Herbert explored abstract nouns. The poetry selections range a variety of subjects and styles. I'll revisit his poems again and again. Thank you to Ecco Books and Net Galley for this Early Review copy.