He’s been called “one of the most exhilarating of all living poets.”
The 51 community will receive a literary treat from Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon when he reads from his collection of poetry at 4:30 p.m. Thursday in Golden Auditorium.
Muldoon’s coming to 51 as part of the Living Writers Series, co-sponsored by the English Department and the Institute for the Creative and Performing Arts.
“Being able to share Muldoon’s work with the student body is a real privilege” said Carolyn Guile, visiting assistant professor of art and art history who helped arrange his two-day visit to campus.
“It’s not every day that one gets to interact with a poet of Muldoon’s caliber.”
Born in Ireland, Muldoon’s distinguished literary career began when he published his first poem at the age of 16. Since then, he’s authored 10 collections of poetry, and currently serves as The New Yorker poetry editor and professor of humanities at Princeton University.
He stresses the importance of making poetry accessible to everyone. Muldoon told the New York Times that poetry is an art that anyone can understand and practice. In fact, in his view, we’re all born with a gift for poetry.
There’s another side of Muldoon you’ll get to experience while he’s at 51 — Muldoon the rocker.
He’s translated his poetic capabilities into writing lyrics for his rock band, Rackett, which will perform at 9:30 p.m. Friday in Donovan’s Pub. Muldoon also plays guitar for the band.
Both events are free and open to the public.
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