Author Priscilla Gilman will discuss the place of poetry in the world at April 2 English Department lecture

This event has been cancelled. What is the place of poetry in the world – both within and outside of the academy? Priscilla Gilman, author, Wordsworth scholar and former English literature professor, will discuss the topic April 2, 4:30 p.m. at the University of Richmond.

Part of the English Department’s Lecture Series, the talk will be held in Whitehurst Living Room and is free and open to the public. Gilman will sign copies of her memoir, “The Anti-Romantic Child: A Memoir of Unexpected Joy.” 

Gilman’s first book, “The Anti-Romantic Child” details her challenge of raising a son with hyperlexia, a neurological developmental disorder. Through the lens of English Romantic poetry, she explores her expectations and hopes for her children, her family and herself, and the ways in which we are all capable of reimagining our lives and finding joy in unexpected circumstances.

A review in Vanity Fair by Marie Brenner called it a “haunting and lyrical memoir (that) will be an invaluable and heartening guide to all who find themselves in similar situations and indeed anyone confronting an unforeseen challenge.” 

After receiving B.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Yale University, Gilman taught at Yale and Vassar College before leaving academia in 2006. She is a frequent contributor to the Daily Beast, New York Times, Chicago Tribune and Huffington Post.

Gilman's talk is cosponsored by the Department of Education. For more information, contact Emily Tarchokov at 804-289-8287 or etarchok@richmond.edu.

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