Thomas C Foster

Foster explains how each of these twenty-five works has shaped our very existence as readers, students, teachers, and Americans. He shows how they captured an American moment, and how they influenced our perception of nationhood and citizenship.

"No literary form is as admired and feared as poetry. Admired for its lengthy pedigree{u2014}a line of poets extending back to a time before recorded history{u2014}and a ubiquitous presence in virtually all cultures, poetry is also revered for its great beauty and the powerful emotions it evokes. But the form has also instilled trepidation in its many admirers mainly because of a lack of familiarity and knowledge. Poetry demands more from readers{u2014}intellectually,...

Combing anecdotes and hard-won lessons from decades of teaching and writing--and invoking everyone from Hemingway to your third-grade teacher--retired professor Thomas C. Foster guides you through the basics of writing. With How to Write Like a Writer you'll learn how to organize your thoughts, construct first drafts, and (not incidentally) keep you in your chair so that inspiration can come to visit.