Poet-critic Alan Williamson here as Rea Visiting Writer

Alan Williamson, one of America’s most respected poets and literary critics, will visit U.Va. in February as the Rea Visiting Writer in the English Department. He will give a talk about the craft of poetry on Feb. 24 and will read from his work Feb. 26. Both presentations are open to the public and will be held at 8 p.m. at the U.Va. Bookstore. He also will work with students in the department’s Creative Writing Program.

Williamson, professor of English at the University of California-Davis, is known for his meditative, accessible poetry, including “The Muse of Distance,” “Res Publica” and “Love and the Soul.” Among his highly praised critical books, aimed at both an academic and general audience, is “Eloquence and Mere Life: Essays on the Art of Poetry.”