"Maximus" (Charles Olson)

"Maximus" is a series of poems by Charles Olson, an influential American poet associated with the Black Mountain School. Written between the 1950s and the 1970s, it explores themes of place, identity, and history, particularly focusing on Olson's hometown of Gloucester, Massachusetts. The work is notable for its innovative structure and free verse style, reflecting Olson's belief in the connection between the poet and the physical landscape. "Maximus" serves as a meditation on cultural and personal history, blending personal reflection with broader social and political commentary, and is considered a significant contribution to 20th-century American poetry.