Howard Nemerov

Howard Nemerov (1920-1991) was an American poet, novelist, and literary critic who served as United States Poet Laureate from 1963 to 1964 and again from 1988 to 1990. His work earned numerous prestigious awards including the National Book Award for Poetry, the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, and the Bollingen Prize. Nemerov's poetry is characterized by its intellectual depth, formal precision, and exploration of both ordinary life and philosophical questions. His most well-known collections include "The Image and the Law," "Mirrors and Windows," and "The Collected Poems of Howard Nemerov," which showcase his mastery of traditional poetic forms while addressing modern themes. As a professor at Washington University in St. Louis for more than twenty years, Nemerov influenced generations of writers and poets through his teaching. His critical writings, particularly "Journal of the Fictive Life" and "Reflexions on Poetry and Poetics," demonstrate his analytical approach to literature and creative process. Beyond poetry, Nemerov authored novels including "The Melodramatists" and "Federigo: Or the Power of Love," along with collections of short stories and essays that further established his reputation as a versatile American writer. His work continues to be studied and anthologized in contemporary literature courses.

Readers appreciate Nemerov's observational poetry and his ability to find meaning in everyday moments. Many note his accessible style and dry wit, particularly in poems like "The War in the Air" and "Storm Windows." His work resonates with readers who value precise language and intellectual depth without pretension. Common praise focuses on his nature poetry and his talent for revealing the extraordinary within ordinary scenes. Readers on Poetry Foundation forums highlight his careful attention to form while maintaining natural-sounding language. Some readers find his academic tone too distant or his meanings too obscure. A recurring criticism is that collections feel uneven in quality. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - The Collected Poems: 4.1/5 (127 ratings) - The Blue Swallows: 3.9/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: - New Selected Poems: 4.3/5 (12 reviews) - Collected Poems: 4.4/5 (8 reviews) Most reader reviews come from academic settings or poetry-focused communities rather than general readers.

The Salt Garden (1955) - A novel about the complex relationship between a woman, her husband, and her mentally ill son.

Federigo, or The Power of Love (1954) - A collection of interconnected stories following an Italian nobleman in his pursuit of love and meaning.

The Homecoming Game (1957) - A novel examining academic life through the story of a professor who becomes involved with a student athlete.

The Blue Swallows (1967) - A poetry collection focusing on themes of nature, war, and human consciousness.

The Western Approaches (1975) - Poetry collection exploring American landscapes and historical perspectives.

Sentences (1980) - A collection of poems dealing with language, perception, and the nature of reality.

Inside the Onion (1984) - Poetry collection examining life's layers through metaphor and observation.

War Stories (1987) - Poems reflecting on warfare and its impact on human experience.

Trying Conclusions: New and Selected Poems, 1961-1991 (1991) - A comprehensive collection spanning thirty years of Nemerov's poetic work.

Journal of the Fictive Life (1965) - A hybrid work combining autobiography, literary criticism, and philosophical reflection.