‘…can perhaps be likened to skipping a small rock across a pond—creating ripples and reverberations which both reflect the greater omnipotence of the water and temporarily alter its periphery and identity.’ Such are the words of Adam Donaldson Powell, master weaver behind this literary tapestry that is the warp of a lifetime’s footsteps weft with a view into the poetry, novel excerpts and an intimate portrait boutique of one brilliant international award-winning multilingual poet, novelist, essayist, historian and photographer—Albert Russo—a man with a claim to no country though a citizen of many soils - in his profoundly penetrating yet sensitively penned work—‘an alternative biography’—unveiled." —
Jeanette Skirvin, award-winning author of Snow Sizzling in Soleil and FACE, co-editor of STARK, the Poetry Journal
UNDER THE SHIRTTAILS of ALBERT RUSSO
An alternative biography
by Adam Donaldson Powell
“We have the pleasure to see all the beauties ofliterature, poetry and photography of Albert Russo in Adam Donaldson.Powell’s brilliant and memorable book “Under the Shirttails of Albert Russo”.Russo’s profound and well-ordered imaginationhelps him to create great works of literature. Russo never writes his great poems and novels according to any mechanic rule. He has perfected his writings due to “the existential qualm for which my heritage is responsible: Africa, Judaism and Italy. They exist and coexist in cycles, in a fashion so inchoate that I am never quite sure which will take the upper hand.” Powell, the immortal poet famous for his classic “Three-legged Waltz”,points out that Russo “began life as an outsider; the offspringof refugees to Africa from Nazi and fascist persecution then became an outcast via his self-proclaimed ‘gaytude’.” No doubt, this fact has provided the perfection of tone in all his creative endeavors, and this will certainly entice all readers. The true essence of Russo’s writings and photography is revealed by Powell in this unique book.Adam DonaldsonPowell’s latest powerful book “Under the Shirttails of Albert Russo” is a tour de force in biography and literary criticism.
Excerpt
While the idea and initiative for this book was my own, it would not have been possible without the active and enthusiastic participation, consent and materials provided by Albert Russo. Not only has he graciously given me permission to reprint private photos, letters, reviews, as well as portions of his books and information from his websites, but he has also personally contributed to my research by allowing himself to be interviewed (sometimes a bit invasively) for countless hours. He is disciplined, persistent and thorough. As I have written previously: "Creating art and literature requires a creative imagination as well as the ability to get things done in a disciplined manner. Live in the moment, and plan for tomorrow."
I salute Albert Russo's openness and his courage, and I dedicate this book to his life partner (Bernard) and to his children (Tatiana and Alexandre).
Special thanks as well to Jeanette I. Skirvin and to Rodolfo N. Stefanon for test-reading the manuscript, and to David Alexander for his prologue.
A book for every Muslim and everyone wishing to know about their way of life. The Diary of the Camp Manager at Mundihar following the South Asian Earthquake - October 2005. An account of life after the Earthquake in one of the largest of the 161 camp
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A book for every Muslim and everyone wishing to know about their way of life. The Diary of the Camp Manager at Mundihar following the South Asian Earthquake - October 2005. An account of life after the Earthquake in one of the largest of the 161 camp
