"Included in the book are a selection of Stafford's poetry on the subject of writing, and an essay on the origins and influences of his art."--Page 4 of cover.

Essential reading for scholars, poetry lovers, and anyone with an interest in Rainer Maria Rilke, German poetry, or the creative impulse, these ten letters of correspondence between Rilke and a young aspiring poet reveal elements from the inner workings of his own poetic identity. The letters coincided with an important stage of his artistic development and readers can trace many of the themes that later emerge in his best works to these messages—Rilke himself stated these letters contained part of his creative genius.

Stafford's advice to beginning poets has become a favorite text in writing programs

Autobiographical poetry from one of Kentucky’s rising Affrilachian literary stars. Bernard Clay’s autobiographical poetry debut, English Lit, juxtaposes the roots of Black male identity against an urban and rural Kentucky landscape. Hailed as one of the most authentic voices of his generation, Clay artfully renders coming-of-age in the predominately Black West End of Louisville, Kentucky. Balancing the spirited grit of a farmer and the careful lyricism of a poet, English Lit is a triumph of new Affrilachian—African American and Appalachian—literature.

Essays, interviews, and poetry by revered poet and teacher William Stafford

"Included in the book are a selection of Stafford's poetry on the subject of writing, and an essay on the origins and influences of his art."--Page 4 of cover.