James Tate

Anthony Caleshu (University of Plymouth)
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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 Statesmen

wrote 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.]

12285 James Tate 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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