Synopses & Reviews
On January 20, 2009, Elizabeth Alexander served as the fourth ever inaugural poet and a central participant in one of the most closely watched inaugurations in American history. Selected by Barack Obama, Alexander composed and delivered her original poem "Praise Song for the Day" to an audience of millions, and now the poem can be read and savored for posterity. Printed on heavy, uncoated stock, with French flaps, and a silver foil stamp, this collectible chapbook is a cherished reminder of this monumental presidential event. Also available in Spanish. Canto de alabanza para el día: Poema para la ceremonia inaugural del mandato de Barack Obama
Elizabeth Alexander is the author of four collections of poetry, the most recent of which is American Sublime, two collections of essays, and several edited volumes. She is Professor of African-American Studies, English, and American Studies at Yale University.
On January 20, 2009, Elizabeth Alexander served as the fourth ever inaugural poet and a central participant in one of the most closely watched inaugurations in American history. Selected by Barack Obama, Alexander composed and delivered her original poem "Praise Song for the Day" to an audience of millions, and now the poem can be read and savored for posterity. Printed on heavy, uncoated stock, with French flaps, and a silver foil stamp, this collectible chapbook is a cherished reminder of this monumental presidential event. Also available in Spanish. "Elizabeth Alexander is a superb choice for the Obama Inauguration. She is from Washington, she represents Obama's generation, and she has written about the civil rights conflict and other historical events that have shaped the character of this country . . . At the same time, her intense personal vision reveals the commonplace life illuminated from startling new anglesas good poetry always does."Tree Swenson, Director of the Academy of American Poets
"Elizabeth Alexander is an inspired choice for this historic role. She is a marvelous poet, an incisive and influential scholar, and one of the great citizens of the literary world. What a joy it will be to see her and hear her at that podium on that day!"Alice Quinn "Elizabeth Alexander is a superb choice for the Obama Inauguration. She is from Washington, she represents Obama's generation, and she has written about the civil rights conflict and other historical events that have shaped the character of this country . . . At the same time, her intense personal vision reveals the commonplace life illuminated from startling new anglesas good poetry always does."Tree Swenson, Director of the Academy of American Poets
Review
"Elizabeth Alexander is an inspired choice for this historic role. She is a marvelous poet, an incisive and influential scholar, and one of the great citizens of the literary world. What a joy it will be to see her and hear her at that podium on that day!"
--Alice Quinn "Elizabeth Alexander is a superb choice for the Obama Inauguration. She is from Washington, she represents Obama's generation, and she has written about the civil rights conflict and other historical events that have shaped the character of this country . . . At the same time, her intense personal vision reveals the commonplace life illuminated from startling new angles--as good poetry always does."
--Tree Swenson, Director of the Academy of American Poets
Synopsis
January 20, 2009 Poet Elizabeth Alexander captured the spirit of Barack Obama's historic inauguration today when she read the poem "Praise Song for the Day." Barack Obama is the forty-fourth president of the United States of America. Graywolf Press will release a commemorative chapbook edition of the poem on February 6, 2009.
Elizabeth Alexander crafted the poem for the occasion, drawing inspiration from poets such as Gwendolyn Brooks, Robert Hayden, and Walt Whitman. Alexander is one of our nation's most eloquent poets, and she spoke at the most closely watched inauguration in U.S. history. Alexander is the fourth poet in United States history to read at a presidential inauguration. Previous inaugural poets were Robert Frost at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy, and Maya Angelou and Miller Williams at the inaugurations of William Jefferson Clinton.
Synopsis
On January 20, 2009, Elizabeth Alexander served as the fourth ever inaugural poet and a central participant in one of the most closely watched inaugurations in American history. Selected by Barack Obama, Alexander composed and delivered her original poem "Praise Song for the Day" to an audience of millions, and now the poem can be read and savored for posterity. Printed on heavy, uncoated stock, with French flaps, and a silver foil stamp, this collectible chapbook is a cherished reminder of this monumental presidential event. Also available in Spanish. Canto de alabanza para el día: Poema para la ceremonia inaugural del mandato de Barack Obama
About the Author
Elizabeth Alexander is the author of four collections of poetry, the most recent of which is
American Sublime, two collections of essays, and several edited volumes. She is Professor of African-American Studies, English, and American Studies at Yale University.