Check It Out:

It’s November and the days are speeding by in preparation for the holidays. Why not slow things down and read some timeless poetry? The Newport Beach Public Library is home to so many volumes of the world’s classical poetry that you are sure to find an author that excites and intrigues you.

Many important poets were born in November.

French writer, philosopher, essayist and poet Voltaire was born Nov. 21, 1694. “Candide,” is perhaps his greatest and most recognizable work. Voltaire is a very interesting literary figure. Involved in the French Enlightenment, social reform, social commentary and even the freemasons before his death, Voltaire was a very involved author. Though not famous necessarily for his work in poetry, his novella “Candide” is a must-read and is available in many forms at the library. Or, check out the biography “Voltaire Almighty” written by Roger Pearson and learn more about this author.

English poet and painter William Blake was born Nov. 28, 1757. Blake is renowned for not just his poetry, but also his art, as well as his illuminated books, which might be considered the culmination of both his talents. The library carries many copies of Blake’s poetry and prose as well as commentary and criticism. Also, be sure to check out “William Blake: The Complete Illuminated Books” or “The Illuminated Blake” by David Erdman to see examples of his enduring work.

American author William Cullen Bryant was born Nov. 3, 1794. Most famous for his poems “To a Waterfowl” and “Thanatopsis,” Bryant became a figurehead of American poetry during his lifetime. Bryant was later made famous for his work in translating Homer, his ties to the Hudson River school of art, and social reform. To learn more about Bryant, read his biography by Gilbert H. Muller, or check out a volume of his poetry.

American poet Marianne Moore was born Nov. 15, 1887. A winner of the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award and the Bollinger Prize, Moore remains a highly regarded figure of American poetry. As editor of the Dial journal, Moore brought the writings of many other renowned poets to prominence. Moore was also well known for revising her own poetry. Check out a collection of poetry at the library to learn more about the unique voice of Moore.

Anne Sexton was born Nov. 9, 1928. Sexton remains famous not only for her inventive, dramatic poetry, but also, tragically, for her lifelong anxiety and depression which ultimately resulted in her suicide. Sexton’s poetry is largely seen as autobiographical and deeply personal, and she was an important voice in the turbulent 1950s and 1960s when the role of women in modern American society was being rewritten.

The Newport Beach Public Library, at www.newportbeachlibrary.org, has collections of poetry from many diverse authors. Stop by and find an author who speaks to you.

And, don’t forget to explore the library’s online resources such as the Biography Resource Center or the Literature Resource Center to find biographical, critical, or explorative work on the author of your choice!

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.