The Book of the Dead by Muriel Rukeyser is a documentary poem collection that recounts the Hawk's Nest Tunnel disaster of the 1930s. Through a blend of poetry and reportage, it highlights the human cost of industrial negligence, emphasizing the experiences and voices of affected workers and their families in the context of American labor history.

Informative

Dark

Mysterious

Emotional

Fun Facts

The Book of the Dead is a long poem sequence that addresses the Hawk's Nest Tunnel disaster, one of America's worst industrial accidents.

Muriel Rukeyser incorporates a variety of documentary materials, including interviews and legal testimonies, showcasing an innovative approach to documentary poetry.

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The work is part of Rukeyser's larger collection titled U.S. 1, published in 1938, which reflects her commitment to social activism and exploration of American identity.

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Book Details

Pages

144

Format

Poem • Nonfiction

Genre

Classic Fiction

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American Literature

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Education

Setting