One of the finest poets recalls a life well lived in poetry. A former American Poet Laureate and winner of the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award, he was in the process of finishing this sparkling collection of essays and lectures when he died. His deepest influences - jazz, Spain, the working people of Detroit - are reflected in many of the pieces. " Though this work may have limited appeal for general readers, it belongs in every library where the poetry collection matters — and that should be every library. - Library Journal. "Like his poetry, generous, honest, and real." — Kirkus Reviews