The talk — sponsored by The Writing Program and the Department of English, both in Arts & Sciences — will take place in Hurst Lounge, Duncker Hall, Room 201.

J.D. McClatchy

McClatchy has authored five poetry collections, including Hazmat (2002) and Ten Commandments (1998). He has written two books of essays, Twenty Ques-tions (1998) and White Paper (1989).

In addition to serving as chancellor of the Academy of American Poets from 1996-2003, McClatchy has received a Wynner Bitter Award for Poetry from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Carl Phillips, professor of English, noted that Hazmat "is a stirring, provocative example of the quiet, undeniable authority that is possible when risk and eloquence come together in the right hands."

"McClatchy is among our foremost men of letters — not only a masterful poet, but a persuasive critic, a discerning translator and anthologist, and the composer of several critically acclaimed libretti," Phillips added. "It's an honor, indeed, to have him here to read for us at Washington University."

McClatchy lives in Stonington, Conn., and edits The Yale Review.

His reading is free and open to the public. A book-signing and reception will follow, and copies of his works will be available for purchase.

For more information, call 935-7130.