Donald Hall Book order

The narrative offers a poignant exploration of life on a New Hampshire farm, reflecting on the author's childhood summers spent with his grandparents. As he matures, he witnesses the decline of the farm and the aging of his loved ones, capturing the complexities of nostalgia and loss. Each story-essay reveals a deep affection for the land and its people, while also hinting at the inevitability of change and the passage of time. In the Epilogue, Hall's return to the farm after twenty-five years adds a layer of reflection on memory and legacy.

You might expect the fact of dying--the dying of a beloved wife and fellow poet--to make for a bleak and lonely tale. But Donald Hall's poignant and courageous poetry, facing that dread fact, involves us all: the magnificent, humorous, and gifted woman, Jane Kenyon, who suffered and died; the doctors and nurses who tried but failed to save her; the neighbors, friends, and relatives who grieved for her; the husband who sat by her while she lived and afterward sat in their house alone with his pain, self-pity, and fury; and those of us who till now had nothing to do with it. As Donald Hall writes, "Remembered happiness is agony; so is remembered agony." Without will touch every feeling reader, for everyone has suffered loss and requires the fellowship of elegy. In the earth's oldest poem, when Gilgamesh howls of the death of Enkidu, a grieving reader of our own time may feel a kinship, across the abyss of four thousand years, with a Sumerian king. In Without Donald Hall speaks to us all of grief, as a poet lamenting the death of a poet, as a husband mourning the loss of a wife. Without is Hall's greatest and most honorable achievement -- his give and testimony, his lament and his celebration of loss and of love.

Donald Hall has lived a remarkable life of letters, one capped most recently by the New York Times bestseller Essays After Eighty, a treasure of a book in which he balance[s] frankness about losses with humor and gratitude (Washington Post).

Set against the backdrop of a picturesque New England winter, this story captures the warmth and nostalgia of Christmas through vivid imagery and heartfelt storytelling. Drawing inspiration from Dylan Thomas's "A Child's Christmas in Wales," it evokes a sense of wonder and reflection, celebrating family, tradition, and the magic of the holiday season. The narrative weaves together memories and experiences that resonate with the joy and simplicity of childhood, making it a timeless tale for readers of all ages.

This book is recognized as a significant culmination of a lifetime's work, showcasing the author's dedication and expertise. It offers profound insights and reflections that resonate deeply with readers, making it a noteworthy contribution to its genre. The narrative is enriched with personal anecdotes and lessons learned, providing a unique perspective that is both inspiring and thought-provoking.

Set in the summer of 1910, this companion to Lucy's Christmas follows young Lucy Wells through a memorable season. The narrative is enriched by award-winning poet Hall's lyrical storytelling, while McCurdy's stunning scratchboard illustrations bring the historical setting to life with vibrant detail. Together, they capture the essence of a bygone era, offering readers a glimpse into Lucy's enchanting world. Full-color artwork enhances the experience, making it a visually captivating journey.

A former poet laureate presents a new collection of essays delivering an unexpected view from the vantage point of very old age.

The memoir offers an intimate glimpse into Donald Hall's extraordinary journey in poetry, highlighting pivotal moments in his career, including his appointment as U.S. poet laureate in 2006. Through rich detail and personal revelations, Hall reflects on his life, the evolution of his craft, and the profound connections between his experiences and his poetry.

Focusing on the pressing challenges in higher education, this book emphasizes the importance of community-building among academics. Drawing from Hans-Georg Gadamer's dialogue theories, it explores enhancing coherence in undergraduate instruction, graduate training, and departmental cohesion. Hall provides concrete strategies for revitalizing classrooms and campuses, advocating for public intellectualism and community service. With real-life examples and practical tips, it serves as a call to action for educators to become agents of change and address the complexities of the modern academic landscape.