In 2006, Associate Professor of English Tony Leuzzi began interviewing some of America’s most intriguing poets -- but not before he did his homework, not before he digested every poem or book of non-fiction they’d published. For Leuzzi it was a labor of love. “Immersing myself in the work of these authors has been instructive and inspiring, “ he said. “The goal for each interview was to create a document that readers and writers of poetry could use as a resource in and out of the classroom.”
Six years have passed between the dawn of Leuzzi’s idea and the publication of his 351-page paperback. Leuzzi is grateful to a host of MCC colleagues whose help and support were instrumental in the creation of this book. Many can be found listed in the last pages of his book. Perhaps the most visible support Leuzzi received was from VAPA artist Kathleen Farrell, whose illustration “Conversations” serves as the book’s cover. He is also grateful for the experience itself.
“The entire process –reading the work, crafting the questions, speaking with poets, editing and reshaping their responses– has energized me as a reader and a writer. I take so much of that experience back into the classroom,” he said.
Passwords Primeval: 20 American Poets in Their Own Words was published by BOA Editions Ltd this month, and is available online and in bookstores throughout the U.S. and England.
Janet Ekis
College and Community Relations
10/26/2012 |