Newsfeed
Printer-Friendly ModeBestselling poet, novelist to read in Founders Hall
March 20, 2006 —
Marge Piercy, famed poet and novelist, will be visiting campus on Thursday at 7 p.m. and delivering a reading of her selected works in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall as a part of the Voices of the Valley series.
An author of 17 novels and 17 volumes of poetry, some of her most popular works have been included in The New York Times Bestseller list.
"Marge Piercy is a forceful artist who is known for both top-quality poetry and top-quality fiction" says Dr. Judith Kerman, who was the leader in getting Piercy to visit SVSU. "She is also a very versatile artist."
Piercy's work has ranged from poetry that reflects everything from feminist perspectives to Jewish and Biblical themes, and even works of science fiction.
"She's been an important writer (poet and novelist) since the 1960's," Kerman said. "Back then she was a major "counter-culture" poet and she has evolved and grown without losing her importance."
Piercy's work is used in the curriculum of many colleges around the country; in fact, several of her poems and novels are being studied in several classes at SVSU.
She has also taught and performed her work at over 400 universities around the world. She has also made several television appearances, including "The Today Show," as well as radio programs worldwide.
One of the things about Piercy that Kerman thought was important in bringing her to SVSU was her uniqueness and dedication to her work.
"I guess she demonstrates that artists don't have to be pigeonholed, and that people committed to human progress don't have to lose their edge as they mature," Kerman said.
Born in Detroit, Piercy has had many published works and received renowned acclaim in the literary community. She attended the University of Michigan after she received a scholarship to the school, and was the first member of her family to attend college. She then later earned her Master's Degree from Northwestern University, and has since received four honorary doctorates from various universities.
Admission for Peircy's visit will be free of charge.