Paterson (book)

"Paterson" is a book by the American poet William Carlos Williams, published in 1946. It blends poetry and prose, presenting a fictionalized version of the city of Paterson, New Jersey, and its inhabitants. The work reflects on the ordinary life around the Passaic River, exploring themes of identity, creativity, and the human experience. Williams uses the city as a backdrop to delve into broader existential questions, intertwining personal, historical, and cultural narratives. The book is considered a major contribution to American modernist literature, celebrated for its innovative form and deep sense of place.