The Congo, and Other Poems
The Congo and Other Poems, published in 1914 with an introduction by Harriet Monroe, editor of Poetry magazine, is the second collection by Vachel Lindsay, the Illinois poet who traveled the country reciting his work. The first section gathers poems written to be read aloud or chanted, with marginal directions for the performer, among them "The Santa Fe Trail," "The Firemen's Ball" and "The Mysterious Cat." The title poem, with its pounding rhythms, relies on racial stereotypes typical of its time and is now read critically. Later sections include quieter lyrics such as "The Leaden-Eyed" and "An Indian Summer Day on the Prairie," a Christmas miscellany and poems written at the outbreak of the First World War. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first poems are free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Congo, and Other Poems
The Congo, and Other Poems by Vachel Lindsay can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Congo, and Other Poems online?
Yes. The Congo, and Other Poems opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Congo, and Other Poems free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Congo, and Other Poems is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Congo, and Other Poems in the public domain?
Yes. The Congo, and Other Poems by Vachel Lindsay is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Congo, and Other Poems?
About 1 h 09 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Congo, and Other Poems?
The Congo, and Other Poems by Vachel Lindsay is filed under "Poetry" in the Vinteuil library.
