"Joan Murray is that rare poet who is really interested in the world . . . . Her poetry is skilled, compassionate, wry and passionate"
- Robert Bly
"One of the few poets whose work remains accessible to both the scholar of poetry and the casual reader."
- The Harvard Review
She is the author of eight books, including five volumes of poetry, most recently Dancing on the Edge, and is editor of two new anthologies, Poems to Live By in Troubling Times and the Pushcart Book of Poetry.
A repeat guest on NPR's Morning Edition and PRI's To the Best of our Knowledge, she has contributed to such publications as The Atlantic Monthly, Harper's, The Nation, The New York Times, and The Best American Poetry.
She has been Poet-in-Residence at the New York State Writers Institute, and has given readings and workshops at hundreds of universities and cultural centers, including the Chautauqua Institution, the Lark Theatre, and the International Poetry Forum.
New!
The Pushcart Book of Poetry:
The Best Poems from 30 Years
of the Pushcart Prize
"Some of the most remarkable poets writing today."
- NPR's All Things Considered
"Historic, illuminating, and thoroughly enjoyable."
- Booklist
A landmark anthology gathering the voices that have defined American poetry in our time.
Starred reviews in Booklist and Publisher's Weekly.
Dancing on the Edge
(Beacon Press)
"Not to be Missed."
- Booklist
"A Lively, Winning Collection."
- Billy Collins
Poems for the 21st Century, focusing on community, loss, and relationships. Now in its second printing.
Looking for the Parade
(W.W. Norton)
"These poems glow with light and enlightenment, both."
- Robert Coles
"She never fights shy of big issues."
- The Times, (London)
Narrative and meditative poems on social issues, art, aging, and death.
Winner of the National Poetry Series, selected by Robert Bly.
Queen of the Mist
(Beacon Press)
"Testament to the surprise and beauty that poetry still can be."
- Philadelphia Inquirer
"A superb book-length poem."
- Detroit Free Press
A novel in verse about the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Runner-up for a Poetry Society of America Award, selected by Joyce Carol Oates.
Poems to Live By
in Troubling Times
(Beacon Press)
"Solid spiritual nourishment for those who strive to make the world a better place."
- ForeWord
An anthology of courage, conscience, and compassion for our difficult times.
Chosen for the Chautauqua Institution's CLSC Book Club.
Poems to Live By
in Uncertain Times
(Beacon Press)
"A text for understanding, sustenance and bravery."
- Bloomsbury Review
"A perfect little volume for solace and understanding."
- Sojourners Magazine
A timeless anthology, edited in response to the September 11th terror attacks.
A Beacon Bestseller.
The Same Water
(Wesleyan University Press)
"An exceptionally generous and moving book."
- Amy Clampitt
"Murray has a remarkable talent."
- The Hudson Review
The whole sweep of a life, from childhood and adolescence through motherhood and maturity.
Winner of the Wesleyan New Poets Series.