The Virtual Writing University Archive

The Virtual Writing University Archive is a collection of recordings of literary readings, panel discussions, and lectures around The University of Iowa and Iowa City. You may search or browse these recordings to find those you want to hear. The Writing University Archive is a project of the School of Library and Information Science in collaboration with the writing community at Iowa.

We are currently in the process of transferring the contents of the archive into this interface. more

Contemporary American Poetry Seminar

Poets Gerald Stern, Haki Madhubuti, James Galvin, and Marvin Bell reflect on the state of American poetry.  Gerald Stern reads and remarks on poems by Williams Carlos Williams, Muriel Rukeyser, and Allen Ginsberg.  Haki Madubuti argues that poetry is “an endangered species” in America.  James Galvin suggests that American poets fall into two categories: those who look to Europe for inspiration and those who write from the provincial.  Marvin Bell explores William Carlos Williams’ legacy of poetry that is local, personal, improvisational, and real.

Play Audio (56 min.)

In: International Writing Program Archive

Authors: Gerald K. Stern , Haki R. Madhubuti, James Galvin, Marvin Bell

Date Recorded: September 08, 1983

Program: --

Format: discussion

Contributors: Peter Nazareth

Topics: William Carlos Williams; Modern American poetry; Wallace Stevens; James Wright

Note: Haki Madhubuti also known as Lee, Don L.

Play Audio (56 min.)