The Problem of the Many

by Timothy Donnelly
The Problem of the Many cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Poetry
Technical
  • ID: 2294
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9781529041255
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2020-09-17
  • Reviews: 3

The Problem of the Many is a collection of poetry by Timothy Donnelly, one of the most influential poets of his generation. This book sees Donnelly shifting his focus from the future to the end of history, attempting to encapsulate the totality of human experience. The poems are intellectually capacious and richly textured, often addressing profound and urgent issues such as individual boundary, identity, and belonging. The collection includes the widely praised 'Hymn to Life,' which opens with a litany of what we have made extinct, and other poems that confront the clutter and devastation left by civilization./n/n Donnelly's work is ambitious and bold, enlisting a variety of agents from Prometheus to Flamin’ Hot Cheetos to explore themes of beauty and human experience. The title refers to the philosophical problem of defining larger aggregates, which Donnelly extends to address individual identity. His solutions are wholly poetic, yet he speaks deeply to these issues as profoundly as any writer currently at work.

Reviews
The Telegraph · 2020-11-10
excellent 4.50

The reviewer describes the collection as brilliant and exhausting, highlighting its ambitious scope and wide-ranging themes.

This review praises the collection for its brilliance and ambition, noting the wide range of themes from Greek philosophy to modern snack foods. The reviewer finds the book both impressive and exhausting, showcasing Donnelly's bold and modern approach to poetry. The collection is seen as a significant work that challenges and rewards the reader.

Quick quotes

    Everything from Greek philosophy to Cheetos makes an appearance in this brilliant, exhausting collection.

Los Angeles Review of Books · 2019-10-27
intriguing 4.00

The reviewer notes Donnelly's frequent use of cultural references and his ability to blend high and low culture seamlessly.

This review delves into Donnelly's use of cultural references, ranging from high philosophy to everyday objects like Cheetos. The reviewer appreciates how Donnelly blends these elements to create a unique and engaging reading experience. The collection is seen as both ambitious and thought-provoking, with a wide range of insights.

Quick quotes

    Donnelly makes cultural references frequently throughout The Problem of the Many. And he makes no distinction about what he's using...

Goodreads · 2019-10-01
brilliant 4.50

The reviewer praises Donnelly's poetic solutions to profound and urgent issues, highlighting the book's deep exploration of cultural and philosophical themes.

This review highlights Donnelly's ability to address profound issues through poetry, with a focus on cultural and philosophical themes. The reviewer finds the book to be both thought-provoking and impactful, showcasing Donnelly's unique voice and perspective. The collection is noted for its depth and relevance to contemporary concerns.

Quick quotes

    Donnelly's solutions may be wholly poetic, but he has succeeded in speaking as deeply to these profound and urgent issues as any writer...

Appears in Lists