For the first time in paperback, Mary Oliver’s poetry and prose about birds
A Book Sense 76 Selection in January 2004
Within these pages Mary Oliver collects twenty-six of her poems about the birds that have been such an important part of her life-hawks, hummingbirds, and herons; kingfishers, catbirds, and crows; swans, swallows, and, of course, the snowy owl; among a dozen others-including ten poems original to this volume. She adds two beautifully crafted essays, “Owls,” selected for the Best American Essays series, and “Bird,” one that will surely take its place among the classics of the genre.
“Mary Oliver is beautiful and accurate in this book of poetry and prose about birds . . . all rendered with the precision of a line-drawing of a single feather that puts the entire wing into perspective.” -Orion
“What we have here are moral essays in prose and verse, passionate meditations on the conduct of life. You will be the wiser-as I believe I am-for having read them.” -Frank Wilson, Philadelphia Inquirer
“These poems and essays dazzle us and then send us into deep reflection about the marvels and mysteries of life that come to us in the sightings, songs, and soaring of birds.” -Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Health
“Owls and Other Fantasies will bring much pleasure to the many readers who claim Oliver as their favorite poet, as well as to people new to her work.” -Judy Clarence, Booklist
“This...title will bring much pleasure to the many readers who claim Oliver as their favorite poet, as well as to people new to her work.” -Library Journal