This book is the first comprehensive study of Ezra Pound’s Fifth Decad of Cantos (1937). It analyzes the genesis, structure and context of Pound’s complex work, particularly how he transformed historical details into poetry. All ten Cantos of the Fifth Decad are treated broadly, making them accessible to scholars and students. In addition, this study provides an in-depth overview of the work’s intellectual context – of Pound’s economic ideas, his fascist allegiances, political ideals and his obsession with populist conspiracy theories. Finally the book outlines a future edition of the Fifth Decad.
