Browse our collection of authors

Harryette Mullen

1953-07-01

Harryette Mullen is an American poet, essayist, and scholar known for her experimental poetry that addresses themes of race, gender, language, and Black culture. Her work challenges literary conventions and explores the complexities of identity within an American context.

Khaled Mattawa

1964-09-23

Khaled Mattawa is a Libyan-born poet and translator, known for his works that explore themes of identity, exile, and the Middle Eastern experience. His poetry is often marked by a deep lyrical sensibility and an engagement with social and political issues.

Brigit Pegeen Kelly

James McMichael

Jane Hirshfield

Ellen Bryant Voigt

Lyn Hejinian

John Haines

Denise Levertov

J. D. McClatchy

Howard Moss

1922-01-22 – 1987-09-16

Howard Moss was an American poet and editor, known for his lyrical and insightful poetry, which often touched on themes of everyday life, nature, and the complexities of human relationships. His work is distinguished by its clarity, elegance, and keen observation of detail. As an editor for the renowned magazine <em>The New Yorker</em> for many years, Moss had a significant influence on the American literary scene. His poetry is valued for its musicality, the precision of its language, and a tone that balances the introspective with the accessible.

Irving Feldman

1928-09-22

Irving Feldman was an American poet whose works explored themes of philosophy, religion, and the human condition. His poetry is often marked by intellectual depth and an introspective style, seeking truth in everyday and transcendental experiences. He was known for his meditative approach to writing, which invited readers into deep reflection. Throughout his career, Feldman published several poetry collections that earned him recognition in literary circles. His work is distinguished by its clarity of thought and its ability to articulate complex ideas with accessible and emotive language, touching upon universal questions of existence and meaning.

Harry Brown

Amy Clampitt

1920-06-15 – 1994-09-10

Amy Clampitt was an American poet whose work is recognized for its erudition, verbal richness, and a deep appreciation for art, history, and nature. Her poems frequently intertwine the personal with the cultural, exploring themes of identity, memory, and the complexity of the world. Considered one of the most important poetic voices of her generation, Clampitt demonstrated an exceptional command of language, combining scholarly references with a keen observation of everyday life. Her poetry is dense, musical, and often surprising in its associations and imagery.

John Frederick Nims

1913-11-20 – 1999-01-13

John Frederick Nims was an American poet, literary critic, and editor, known for his poetry with a more classical approach and a fine lyrical sensibility. His work often explored universal themes such as love, time, and mortality, with careful language and polished structure. Nims also had a significant career as an editor, contributing to the dissemination of modern poetry. His work as a critic and educator helped shape the literary landscape, solidifying his role as a respected figure in American poetry.

Philip Booth

Richard Hugo

1923-12-21 – 1982-10-22

Richard Hugo was an influential American poet, known for his lyrical and often melancholic poetry, which frequently explored the landscape and life in the lesser-known regions of America. His work is characterized by a deep sense of place, a keen eye for ordinary people, and an exploration of the human condition with honesty and compassion. Hugo was also an important creative writing teacher, inspiring many students with his passion for poetry and his dedication to the art.

May Swenson

Louis Coxe

Josephine Miles

1911-06-11 – 1985-05-12

Josephine Miles was a prominent American poet, known for her innovative approach to language and poetic form. Her work frequently explored the nature of communication and the nuances of meaning, with a style that balanced intellectual rigor with emotional expressiveness. Miles dedicated much of her career to teaching and literary criticism, influencing generations of poets. Her poetry collections are celebrated for their intelligence, clarity, and the way they challenged established poetic conventions, making her an important figure in 20th-century American poetry.

Horace Gregory

1898-04-10 – 1982-03-11

Horace Gregory was an American poet, literary critic, and translator. His poetic work is known for its introspection, exploration of social and historical themes, and a style that often blends the lyrical with the narrative. He was also a long-time scholar of poetry, contributing critical analyses and important translations. As a critic, Gregory offered insightful reviews of modern and classical poets, while his translations, notably of Catullus, helped make ancient poetry more accessible to the contemporary audience.

J. V. Cunningham

Rolfe Humphries

Oliver St. John Gogarty