The Naomi Poems: Corpse and Beans

Author: Bill Knott

Publisher: Black Ocean (2024)

Bill Knott’s first book, The Naomi Poems: Corpse and Beans, was written under the pen name St. Geraud, the fictional persona of “a virgin and a suicide” who allegedly died two years prior to publication. The Naomi Poems was received to great acclaim and brought him to the attention of such poets as James Wright, who called Knott  an "unmistakable genius." It also went on to inspire generations of fellow artists and writers—such as James Tate, Jim Jarmusch, Mary Ruefle, Thurston Moore, and Denis Johnson. While first editions have become treasured collector’s items today, The Naomi Poems is finally back in print for the first time in almost 60 years featuring a new introduction by Richard Hell.