Pulitzer nominee to read from his poetic works at MSU

Contact: Maridith Geuder

A poet nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award reads from his works during an Oct. 17 appearance at Mississippi State University.

The English department-sponsored program featuring Bruce Smith will begin at 8 p.m. in the Colvard Union's third-floor small auditorium. Smith also will speak informally with students at 4 p.m. in 407 Lee Hall. Both sessions are open to the public.

In addition to editing Graham House Review, a national poetry magazine, Smith currently teaches at the University of Alabama.

Praised for its "jazz-like verbal panache," his "The Other Lover" (University of Chicago Press) was a 2000 finalist for the National Book and Pulitzer honors. Another book, "Silver and Information" (University of Georgia Press), won the prestigious National Poetry Series designation.

Critics have complimented Smith's entire body of works for its "vivid, steady grace." His other publications include "Mercy Seat" (also University of Chicago Press) and "The Common Wages" (Sheep Meadow Press).

In addition to four book-length works, Smith has contributed poems to a number of anthologies and journals, among them the Paris Review, New Republic, Kenyon Review, Verse, Slate, and Poetry.

For more information about Smith's MSU visit, telephone (662) 325-3644.