
Time and Materials
by Robert Hass
Approximately 96 pages
This collection offers a reflective journey through personal and universal themes in a poetic form.
Difficulty
Moderate
Pace
Measured
Mood
lyrical, introspective
Book club
Medium
Is this book for you?
Read this if you enjoy
- contemporary poetry
- you appreciate lyrical language
- you are interested in nature themes
Consider another book if
- you prefer narrative-driven prose
- you dislike poetry
- you seek straightforward storytelling
What it is about
"Time and Materials" is a collection of poems by Robert Hass that explores themes of nature, memory, and the passage of time. The work reflects on personal experiences and broader societal issues, intertwining the intimate with the universal. Hass employs vivid imagery and sensory language to evoke the beauty and complexity of the world.
The poems often meditate on the relationship between the self and the environment. Nature serves as both a backdrop and a central character in many pieces. The collection also addresses the impact of history and culture on individual identity.
Hass's language is both accessible and layered, inviting multiple interpretations. The poems vary in form, showcasing his versatility as a poet. "Time and Materials" engages with philosophical questions about existence and human connection.
Overall, the collection offers a contemplative examination of life through the lens of poetry.
Award recognition
2008 winner
Pulitzer Prize for Poetry
United States
2007 winner
National Book Award for Poetry
United States · Poetry
Reader comments
Loading comments…
Similar award-winning books
Selected from shared categories, regions, award history, and reading profiles.

Lighthead
by Terrance Hayes
Shares themes of memory and art.

Versed
by Rae Armantrout
Shares themes of memory.

The Shadow of Sirius
by W. S. Merwin
Shares themes of nature and human experience.