Alabama poet to read from original work at MSU

Contact: Maridith Geuder

A poet who teaches creative writing at the University of Montevallo near Birmingham, Ala., will read from his works during an Oct. 28 appearance at Mississippi State.

Jim Murphy, who earned a doctorate in creative writing from the University of Cincinnati, will present a public reading at 8 p.m. in the Colvard Union small auditorium.

His visit is sponsored by the English department and the Robert Holland Reading Series. Additional support is provided by the Creative Writing Enhancement Fund, donated by Paul and Bernadette Lyons in memory of Charles and Agnes Lyons.

Murphy's 40-page chapbook, "The Memphis Sun," was published by Kent State University Press in 2000. Describing the collection's works as ranging from "fairly straightforward" to "experimental pieces," the publishers note that Murphy makes use of cultural icons ranging from Elvis Presley to Holly Golightly. The chapbook received the Stan and Tom Wick Poetry Award.

Murphy's poems also have appeared in publications that include "Gulf Coast," "The Southern Review," and "Triquarterly."

For more information about the Oct. 28 reading, telephone the English department at 662-325-3644.