The Yale Younger Poets Award is a prestigious literary award that has been recognizing and promoting outstanding young poets in the United States since 1919. Established by the Yale University Press, the award is considered one of the most respected and sought-after honors for emerging poets. The award's rich history and rigorous selection process have made it a benchmark for excellence in American poetry.
History of the Yale Younger Poets Award
The Yale Younger Poets Award was founded by Wilmarth Lewis, the editor of the Yale University Press, with the goal of discovering and publishing new talent in American poetry. The first winner of the award was Howard Buck, who received the honor in 1919 for his collection of poems titled “The Tempering.” Since then, the award has been given annually to a poet under the age of 40 who has not previously published a book of poetry. The award has played a significant role in launching the careers of many prominent American poets, including Adrienne Rich, John Ashbery, and Elizabeth Bishop.
Selection Process
The selection process for the Yale Younger Poets Award is highly competitive and rigorous. The award is open to poets who are citizens of the United States and are under the age of 40. The submission process typically begins in the summer, and the winner is announced in the spring of the following year. The judging panel consists of a renowned poet who serves as the judge for the award. The judge reviews all submissions and selects the winner based on the quality and originality of the poetry. The winner receives a cash prize and a publication contract with the Yale University Press.
| Year | Winner | Collection Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1919 | Howard Buck | The Tempering |
| 1920 | Stephen Vincent Benét | Young Adventure |
| 1921 | John Peale Bishop | Green Fruit |
| 1951 | Adrienne Rich | A Change of World |
| 1975 | John Ashbery | Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror |
Notable Winners
Over the years, the Yale Younger Poets Award has recognized many talented poets who have made significant contributions to American literature. Some notable winners include Elizabeth Bishop, who won the award in 1946 for her collection “North & South,” and John Ashbery, who won the award in 1975 for his collection “Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror.” Other notable winners include Adrienne Rich, Robert Penn Warren, and Muriel Rukeyser. The award has also recognized the work of poets such as Brigit Pegeen Kelly, Nikky Finney, and Eugenio Montale.
Impact on American Poetry
The Yale Younger Poets Award has had a profound impact on American poetry, providing a platform for emerging poets to showcase their work and gain recognition. The award has helped to launch the careers of many prominent poets, and its winners have gone on to make significant contributions to the literary landscape. The award’s emphasis on discovering new talent has also helped to promote diversity and innovation in American poetry, recognizing the work of poets from a wide range of backgrounds and styles.
- Increased recognition for emerging poets: The Yale Younger Poets Award has provided a platform for emerging poets to gain recognition and establish their careers.
- Promotion of diversity and innovation: The award has recognized the work of poets from a wide range of backgrounds and styles, promoting diversity and innovation in American poetry.
- Launch of prominent careers: The award has helped to launch the careers of many prominent poets, including Adrienne Rich, John Ashbery, and Elizabeth Bishop.
What is the eligibility criteria for the Yale Younger Poets Award?
+The Yale Younger Poets Award is open to poets who are citizens of the United States and are under the age of 40. The poet must not have previously published a book of poetry.
How is the winner of the Yale Younger Poets Award selected?
+The winner of the Yale Younger Poets Award is selected by a renowned poet who serves as the judge for the award. The judge reviews all submissions and selects the winner based on the quality and originality of the poetry.
What is the significance of the Yale Younger Poets Award in American literature?
+The Yale Younger Poets Award is significant in American literature because it provides a platform for emerging poets to gain recognition and establish their careers. The award has helped to launch the careers of many prominent poets and has promoted diversity and innovation in American poetry.
