Where is "Late August" by Margaret Atwood published?
Margaret Atwood's evocative poem "Late August" offers a lush lyrical snapshot of the Canadian wilderness in late summer. First published in 1966 as part of Atwood's debut poetry collection The Circle Game, the poem showcases Atwood's vivid descriptive language and innate understanding of the Canadian landscape. Examining its original publication provides context around Atwood’s early artistic voice and imagery.
Emergence of "Late August" in Atwood's Debut Collection
"Late August" first appeared in print in 1966 within Atwood's very first published volume The Circle Game, released when Atwood was 27 years old. The collection was published by House of Anansi Press, a Toronto-based company focused on Canadian authors. This first collection established Atwood as a bold new voice in Canadian poetry.
The Circle Game's Literary Recognition and Atwood's Early Success
The Circle Game went on to win the Governor General's Award, Canada's top literary prize, further elevating Atwood's reputation. It marked her earliest success in a literary career that would see Atwood become one of history's most lauded authors, in poetry and fiction. "Late August" and the rest of the debut collection displayed her talent even at a young age.
Positioning "Late August" Within The Circle Game
"Late August" appears as the seventh poem in the collection of 16 works. Atwood organized The Circle Game into four titled sections, with "Late August" appearing in Part II: Summer. Its seasonal setting resonates with the collection's recurring engagement with Canadian nature, memory, and identity.
"Late August" Through Time - A Lasting Impact
The Circle Game remains in print today in multiple editions. "Late August" is still frequently anthologized in poetry collections and studied in classrooms, sustaining its reach over decades. For many young readers, Atwood’s lyrical vision of the Canadian wilderness in this poem still provides an evocative introduction to her artistic eye.
Conclusion
Margaret Atwood's beginnings as a celebrated author can be traced back to the publication of her first volume The Circle Game in 1966, featuring the enduring poem "Late August." The vivid Canadian imagery and dexterous language displayed in this early collection introduced Atwood as a defining literary voice.
