William Jay Smith has been one of the most respected figures on the
literary scene for more than half a century. Two of his
thirteen poetry collections were finalists for the National
Book Award. In celebration of his 91st birthday,
he will read from those collections and newer
work, and discuss Dancing in the Garden: A Memoir of
His Study in France on the Eve of World War II.
Jeffrey
Meyers writes in New Criterion, "Few poets go on
writing well into old age, but the Louisiana-born
William Jay Smith is one of them. Still going strong,
his poetry, marked by great technical skill, is witty
and satiric, poignant and humane...Smith's poetry offers
sensuous pleasure and intellectual delight."
William Jay Smith served as Consultant in Poetry to the Library
of Congress (the position now called Poet Laureate) from 1968 to 1970.
His many volumes of poetry include The World Below the Window and The
Traveler's Tree. He is also the author of several critical works and books for
children.
