James Tate was just 23 years old in 1967 when his first book,
The Lost Pilot, appeared as winner of the Yale Series of Younger Poets Award, the preeminent prize of its time. As a measure of just how well his first book was received, Julian Symons in
New Statesmenwrote how he turned with “pleasure” to Tate after reviewing Anne Sexton, William Carlos Williams, and James Dickey. He then went on to single Tate out as the “most distinctive” when considered in relation to Donald Justice and John Ashbery.After such an auspicious beginning, Tate continued publishing regularly through the 1970s and into the 80s, with books appearing frequently, every one to three years. Though occasionally delving into linguistic experimentation (most noticeable in
Hints to Pilgrims(1971), parts of
3033 words
Citation: Caleshu, Anthony. "James Tate". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 22 June 2009 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=12285, accessed 13 October 2024.]