Michael Collier Libri

A collection of poetry spanning the career of distinguished poet Michael Collier.

The collection features essays exploring diverse topics, including the literary correspondence of William Maxwell and the author's reflections on his tenure as poet laureate of Maryland. It delves into Louise Bogan's journals, highlighting her personal struggles and her journey of self-reconstruction as a writer. These insightful analyses offer a rich examination of literary figures and the complexities of their lives and work.

My Bishop and Other Poems oscillates between shorter lyrics, which represent the interior or private life, and two long prose poems, which represent the social, external world.

Exploring a complex tapestry of emotions, the narrative delves into fears, anger, and guilt that shape personal and collective identities. The speaker's maternal grandmother, institutionalized for fifty years, serves as a powerful metaphor, highlighting the intersections of familial and societal struggles. This bold work by a significant American poet invites readers to confront the haunting legacies of history and the impact of personal trauma on one's life.

Exploring the balance between the everyday and the unknown, this poetry collection features Michael Collier's narrative and colloquial style, described as both musical and crystalline. The poems delve into emotional depths, portraying intimate moments such as a son losing his father's favorite hammer and the eerie unity of a baseball crowd. With vivid imagery of the natural world, including dogs and sparrows, the work reveals a beautifully mysterious perspective. As the director of the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference, Collier's artistry solidifies his status among contemporary poets.

A cycle of pathbreaking poems about the history of a family set against the backdrop of the last century.

Exploring the interplay between nature and the mystical, this poetry collection presents a lyrical journey through the world of birds, portraying them as powerful symbols and storytellers. The author, known for their acclaimed work, weaves moments that elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary, inviting readers to reflect on the deeper meanings behind these avian messengers.