A. M. Juster

Ancient Salt

Arts & Literature

“Frisardi’s essays will remind readers what poetry criticism should be all about as he combines a scholar’s erudition, an accomplished poet’s knowledge of craft, and the enthusiasm of your favorite English teacher for beloved authors. His close readings explain and analyze the ideas of nine poets, particularly their spiritual and religious beliefs, with a thoroughness rarely seen in recent years, and he does so with the integrity to acknowledge his subjects’ artistic and moral shortcomings.”

Apocalypse Dance

Arts & Literature

“Ethan McGuire’s Apocalypse Dance is built on poems of passion and devotion that draw on inspirations ranging from classical Chinese poetry and Gerard Manley Hopkins to Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. McGuire is also mindful of the music of his words in ways that place him among our best formal poets.”

Hasty Corporeal Ink

Arts & Literature

“Lisa Cooper’s Hasty Corporeal Ink combines love for traditional and experimental form in poetry with her love for the Lord. Although the poems echo anonymous Old English poets, Hopkins, Cummings, and others, her thinking, imagery, and language remain fresh. Her work is a pleasure to read, ponder, and share with others.”

Ponds

Arts & Literature

“Jane Clark Scharl’s Ponds is a reminder of what poetry can be. Her starting points in the daily world are familiar to everyone—family, friends, nature, and worship. She quickly vaults to the universal world in ways reminiscent of Gerard Manley Hopkins, but with spare, precise language and rhythms closer to the best work of Thomas Merton. Ponds is a book to reread and savor.”