In “Inside Out,” Marjorie Maddox has assembled a series of poems about reading and writing poems. The poems show rather than tell, and it’s great fun.
Great Poetry as Seen by Comic Artist Julian Peters
In “Poems to See By,” comic artist Julian Peters illustrates 24 well-known poems, and in the process interprets meaning and adds understanding.
Poets and Poems: Tom Sastry and “A Man’s House Catches Fire”
Everything familiar is lost in Tom Sastry’s latest book, “A Man’s House Catches Fire” — a poetry collection for our moment.
Poets and Poems: Mischa Willett and “The Elegy Beta”
“The Elegy Beta: Poems” by Mischa Willett utilize the idea of the elegy, reflecting seriously and somberly on life, faith, suffering, and beauty.
Poets and Poems: Angela Alaimo O’Donnell and “Andalusian Hours”
In “Andalusian Hours,” poet and writer Angela Alaimo O’Donnell has created a tribute to Flannery O’Connor, one of the 20th century’s most original writers.
“The House of Seven Gables” by Nathaniel Hawthorne – Still a Fascinating Story
“The House of Seven Gables” by Nathaniel Hawthorne is more Gothic romance than ghost tale; whatever the genre, it remains a fascinating story.
Wisdom Literature: “Desert Tracings” – Six Arabian Odes
In “Desert Tracings,” Michael Sells translates six pre-Islamic Arabian odes created in the oral tradition of Bedouin tribes before the rise of Islam.
Top 10 Reasons Why “Grandfather” Is the Best Job in the World
Being a grandfather is the best job in the world, and here are the top 10 reasons why. It’s also possibly the easiest, because your grandchildren teach you.
Poets and Poems: Aaron Brown and “Acacia Road”
The 47 poems of “Acacia Road” by Aaron Brown are set in Chad and describe a place that is beautiful, tragic, and beloved.
Buried in the Basement: “Tolkien’s Lost Chaucer” by John Bowers
A significant work by J.R.R. Tolkien on Chaucer sat unnoticed in a library basement for 60 years. “Tolkien’s Lost Chaucer” tells the story.
Poets and Poems: Daniel Leach and “Voices on the Wind”
“Voices on the Wind” by poet Daniel Leach is a collection of classical poetry centered in a rich tradition bubbling below the surface of modern poetry.
Editor of the Legendarium: Christopher Tolkien (1924-2020)
We owe a great debt to Christopher Tolkien, who as literary executor of his father’s estate unlocked the legendarium of Middle-earth.
Looking for Workplace Wisdom: It’s Poetry at Work Day 2020
It’s Poetry at Work Day 2020, and went looking for books and writing about wisdom in the workplace. We found some surprises. Celebrate with us!
Wisdom Literature: The Aphorisms of Yahia Lababidi
“Signposts to Elsewhere,” a collection of aphorisms by poet Yahia Lababidi, is a beautifully rendered work, full of poetry and wisdom.
Poets and Poems: Juliette van der Molen and “Anatomy of a Dress”
“Anatomy of a Dress” by poet Juliette Van Dermolen is a short collection of poems that are strong enough not to need the author’s explanation.
Listening to Poets in the Sounds of Silence
The Shaw Nature Reserve southwest of St. Louis is a place where silence reigns, and good conversations can be had with poets.
“Chaucer: A European Life” by Marion Turner
“Chaucer: A European Life” by Marion Turner is a significant work of scholarship on the context of the life of Geoffrey Chaucer.
Poets and Poems: Edward Holmes and “Bravery & Brevity”
“Bravery & Brevity,” the new poetry collection by Edward Holmes, is written from a place of transformation, moving from pain to hope.
W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939″ – The Biography of a Poem by Ian Sansom
“September 1, 1939” is one of Auden’s most famous poems. But British writer Ian Sansom sees the flaws. His biography of the poem and the poet is marvelous.
Songwriting and Writing: “Adorning the Dark” by Andrew Peterson
“Adorning the Dark” by writer and songwriter Andrew Peterson speaks to the mystery at the center of writing, creativity, and inspiration.