Poetry is vital to language and living. This anthology celebrates 50 years of Copper Canyon Press publications, one extraordinary poem at a time. Since its founding, Copper Canyon has been entirely dedicated to publishing poetry books; here Editor in Chief Michael Wiegers invites press staff and board—past and present—to help curate a retrospective. The result is a collection of beloved poems from books spanning half a century: representing Pulitzer Prize-winning books, debut collections, works in translation, and rare books from Copper Canyon’s early days. This book is a tribute to Copper Canyon poets and readers everywhere, because, as Gregory Orr writes, “Certain poems / In an uncertain world— / The ones we cling to: // They bring us back.”
Michael Wiegers is the long-time Editor in Chief at Copper Canyon Press and serves as the poetry editor for Narrative magazine. As one of the country’s leading poetry publishers, he has edited hundreds of books, including volumes that have won the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, and National Book Critics Circle Award. A frequent speaker and guest editor at literary conferences and graduate writing programs, he also serves on the board of directors for the Merwin Conservancy.