Over the past decade, Billy Collins has emerged as the most beloved American poet since Robert Frost, garnering critical acclaim and broad popular appeal. Gerald Stern describes his poetry as "heartbreakingly beautiful." John Updike proclaims his poems "consistently startling, more serious than they seem, they describe all the worlds that are and were and some others besides."This special, limited edition celebrates Billy Collins's years as U.S. Poet Laureate. The Art of Drowning-one of the books that helped establish and secure his reputation and popularity during the 1990s-is distinctive in its variety of interests and the generous hospitality of its voice. Ranging from an analysis of Keats's handwriting to the art form of the calendar pinup, the subjects of his poems inspire imaginative play. Whether reading him for the first time or the fiftieth, this collector's edition is a must-have for anyone interested in the poet the New York Times calls simply "the real thing."

About the Author
Billy Collins, named U.S. Poet Laureate in June 2001 and reappointed to the post in 2002, has published seven collections of poetry, including The Apple That Astonished Paris; Nine Horses; The Art of Drowning; Picnic, Lightning; Questions about Angels;

Reviews
A wonderful, thoughtful, sly, and moving collection." - San Francisco Chronicle

"I treasure the day I discovered Billy Collins." - The Lawrence Ledger

"Lovely poems-lovely in a way almost nobody's since Roethke's are. Limpid, gently and consistently startling, more serious than they seem, they describe all the worlds that are and were and some others besides." - John Updike

"Deft observation, droll wit, and outrageous assertions are whizzing past." - Bloomsbury Review



Book Information
ISBN 9780822955672
Author Billy Collins
Format Paperback
Page Count 112
Imprint University of Pittsburgh Press
Publisher University of Pittsburgh Press