A Book of Common Praise

Miniature critical essays on contemporary poets and fiction writers. Originally written as introductions to public readings, these essays are unabashedly celebratory, a welcome relief from the usual critical fare. As a critic, Boyers has been praised by such literary giants as Harold Bloom and John Bayley.

In clear, interesting, lively prose, Boyers offers superb models for the very short critical essay.

Robert Boyers is Editor of the quarterly Salmagundi, Tisch Professor of Arts and Letters at Skidmore College, and Director of the New York State Writers' Institute. He writes regularly on contemporary arts and culture for The New Republic, and his essays on politics and culture are widely published. He lives in Saratoga Springs, NY.