Poetry Review: Laugh at the End of the World is subtitled Collected Comic Poems 1969 - 1999, which beyond wondering if this book was timed to come at the end of the millennium when the world was to end, is also "comic" in the sense that these are not necessarily funny poems. Some are surreal, some are absurd, and many aren't really humorous at all, except in the darkest possible way. Since finding Bill Knott is such a rare event I appreciate any collection of his work, even when subject to a misnomer. But buyer beware if going into this expecting LOLs. A wry grimace is more likely. First, the longer a Knott poem the less likely it's going to be a clear winner. He was best when writing short. This selection contains many longer pieces. Second, he's a marmite poet anyway. Readers are as likely to be baffled, angered, or disgusted by his poems as to enjoy, appreciate, or laugh at them. So why suggest he's the next Robin Williams? Finally, if looking for a better or more representative collection (for Knott fans only), then perhaps seek out I Am Flying Into Myself: Selected Poems, 1960-2014, edited by Thomas Lux. All the best poems from Laugh at the End of the World are in that one. Don't get me wrong, if your library has this or you run across it in a used-book shop and the price is right, by all means grab it. You're getting a real taste of the bizarrely enigmatic Bill Knott. Whether he's your cup of tea is a different question. He can be bitter, angry, childish petulant, cutting, surreal, and occasionally on his best behavior. Just don't expect Laugh at the End of the World to have you rolling on the floor laughing your arse off. But if you're on the right wavelength it may make you nod knowingly ... . [3½★]
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