Synopses & Reviews
The first major autobiography by a Texas poet, this noteworthy account traces the life and times of a poet, publisher, critic, and teacher from his childhood to the present day. This remarkable life is examined through the works it produced25 books in the fields of poetry, fiction, translation, jazz history, and book reviewing. Proving that the literary and intellectual life in Texas far surpasses the state's stereotypes, this record shows how the poet was instrumental in connecting Texas with many Latin American writers as well as with a wide world of music.
Review
"About as complete a compilation of a Texas poet's education as one could imagine." Don Graham, publisher, Washington Post
Review
"As his excellent new anthology confirms, Oliphant has contributed significantly to the development of poetry in Texas, and he is not slowing down." Lyman Grant, Texas Observer
Review
"Dave Oliphant is the undisputed authority on the history of Texas jazz. His books and articles provide the most well-researched and well-written discussions of Texas jazz history available." Gary Hartman, Center for Texas Music History
About the Author
Dave Oliphant is a native Texan poet, a recently retired professor from the University of Texas-Austin, and the editor and publisher of Prickly Pear Press. He is the author of numerous volumes of poetry, including Backtracking, Memories of Texas Towns and Cities, and Maria's Poems, as well as a collection of 16 essays entitled Jazz Mavericks of the Lone Star State. He lives in Austin, Texas.