On Monday, Oct. 3, American poet and 2011 Pulitzer Prize Nominee Maurice Manning performed a poetry reading featuring new, unpublished poems from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Union’s Harvey Auditorium.
Manning captivated his audience with his humorous, yet serious poetry that captured rural culture and faith in Southern America.
This included poems titled “The Barn Became a Banjo,” “Playing Dixie Rook” and “Why Poor Old Mama Took to Her Bed.”
Janna Chance, a professor of English at Union, was in attendance and also had dinner with Manning, along with several other English professors.
“I think it’s great that we’re getting to hear that particular rural perspective that may not get as much attention,” Chance said.
A few of Manning’s other works include “The Common Man,” “Book of Visions” and “One Man’s Dark.” “The Common Man” was a finalist for the 2011 Pulitzer Prize.
Union’s Lyceum Committee of the English Department sponsored this event. Bobby Rogers, a professor of English, introduced Manning on behalf of the Lyceum Committee.
Manning also performed several hymns and folk songs between poems, while playing the banjo and mandolin.
After the reading, there was a book signing with Manning’s books provided by Jackson’s local bookstore, Lightrap Books.
Last spring, the Lyceum Committee hosted a reading by Natasha Tretheway, another well-known author, on her bestseller “Memorial Drive: A Daughter’s Memoir.” These readings mark two back-to-back events for the department, something they hope to continue in the future.
“The English Department is committed to bringing in the best writers we possibly can,” Chance said. “And it’s exciting.”
Manning was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, and currently teaches English at Transylvania University.
Maurice Manning’s books are available on Amazon and at other major bookstores.