Souls of the LaBadie Tract

Exploring the psychic past of America, Susan Howe intertwines poetry and prose in a journey inspired by the Labadists, a Utopian sect from the 17th century. The work features three long poems and prose pieces that delve into archives filled with historical remnants and ghosts. Central themes include connections to Jonathan Edwards and Wallace Stevens, with motifs of silk and transformation, culminating in the poignant image of a wedding dress. Howe's unique style blends evocation with refraction, creating a rich tapestry of literary exploration.