by Edna St. Vincent Millay
About this book
Edna St. Vincent Millay's *A Few Figs from Thistles* is a bold and defiant collection of poetry that captures the spirit of 1920s rebellion and romantic abandon. This slim but mighty volume contains 23 poems that celebrate living fully, loving freely, and rejecting conventional morality with wit and lyrical beauty. The collection's most famous piece, "First Fig," became an anthem for the Jazz Age with its unforgettable declaration: "My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night." Through sonnets, lyrics, and narrative verses, Millay explores themes of youth, desire, independence, and the bittersweet realities of passion. Poems like "Recuerdo" showcase her gift for transforming intimate moments—a ferry ride, shared fruit, a dawn together—into vivid, deeply felt experiences. Originally published during a transformative era in American literature, these verses challenged social expectations and gave voice to a generation determined to live on their own terms. Millay's masterful command of form, combined with her emotional directness and sharp humor, makes this collection endlessly engaging. Perfect for poetry lovers, students of modernist literature, and anyone seeking timeless verses about love, freedom, and the courage to live authentically.
