William Stafford (1914–1993) was the author of more than 50 books; his first poetry collection, Traveling Through the Dark (1962), won the 1963 National Book Award for Poetry. A conscientious objector during World War II and avid ecologist, Stafford spent most of his teaching career at Lewis & Clark College in Oregon. With his deceptively simple style and reverence for the natural world, he is considered the Robert Frost of the American west.

Lucille Clifton on view November 19, 2013 through March 22, 2014; Compendium of Creatures on view November 19, 2013 through April 5, 2014

Friends and poets gather to remember Kurt Brown (1944–2013), prolific poet, editor, founder of the Aspen Writers’ Conference, former Poets House board member, and beloved teacher. Award-winning author of seven full-length poetry collections, including, most recently, A Thousand Kim and Time-Bound, as well as chapbooks, translations, and a memoir, Brown was a tireless advocate for poetry, editing and co-editing numerous journals and anthologies.

Gwendolyn Brooks’ poems distill the best aspects of Modernist style with the sounds and shapes of various African-American forms and idioms. This talk celebrates her career as an example of art evolving in response to the dramatic historical, political, and aesthetic challenges a writer encounters.

Chris Raschka, award-winning author and artist, will prove to us that he can draw just about anything. He’ll lead an illustration demonstration and workshop and will also perform some of the poems he’s written over the years.

From December 8th-11th, at least 15% of proceeds from all books purchased at Barnes & Noble at Astor Place will be donated to Poets House. So, take care of all of your holiday shopping and do a great deed for poetry by joining us at our free Holiday Benefit Reading and ushering in 4 days of commerce-for-verse.