Standing apart from the literary and intellectual trends of his day, Francis Ponge (1899-1988) was nonetheless an admired figure. His two most important volumes were Le parti pris des choses (Siding with Things) and Pi ces, both well represented in this selection. Though he occasionally employed the verse line, most of what he wrote was in the form of poetic prose, characterised by unusual descriptive clarity and subtlety. His subjects were taken largely from the worlds of inanimate objects and natural phenomena - hence Siding with Things - though creatures, including humans, were sometimes treated. The writing turns out, however, to carry as much emotional, psychological and philosophical weight as any other poet's, only in Ponge's case it is tinged with a wry comic sensibility that is utterly his own. Two of Ponge's translators here are internationally known poets, and their work, supplemented by valuable introductory essays, helps give him the showing in English that this unique French genius fully deserves.