What Is Found There

America's enduring poet of conscience reflects on the proven and potential role of poetry in contemporary politics and life.

Through journals, letters, dreams, and close readings of the work of many poets, Adrienne Rich reflects on how poetry and politics enter and impinge on American life. This expanded edition includes a new preface by the author as well as her post-9/11 "Six Meditations in Place of a Lecture."

"Simultaneously poetry anthology, exercise in reflection, social and cultural diagnosis, poet's creed...this is a book of wisdom...more resonant with each rereading."— New York Times Book Review

"Essential reading for writers and readers of poetry and for anyone interested in the current debates on art and politics...and the spiritual and moral power of literature."— Boston Globe

"The clear-eyed depth and the visionary stretch of these notes bespeak an irresistible, prophetic intelligence and a huge heart wrestling with the transformative power of poetry up against the needs of an emerging new world."—June Jordan