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Preview
  • Billy Collins Live

  • A Performance at the Peter Norton Symphony Space April 20, 2005
  • By: Billy Collins
  • Narrated by: Billy Collins
  • Length: 1 hr and 13 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (6 ratings)

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Billy Collins Live

By: Billy Collins
Narrated by: Billy Collins
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Summary

In this exclusive audio publishing event, Billy Collins, former U.S. Poet Laureate, shares an evening of his poetry in a benefit reading for WNYC, New York Public Radio. Often compared to Robert Frost, his poetry has been embraced by people of all ages and backgrounds, and his readings are most often standing room only.

Performed by the author at Peter Norton Symphony Space in New York City, Billy Collins reads 24 of his poems, including "Dharma", a spiritual yet humbling ode to man's best friend, "The Lanyard", an amusing recollection about the popular, if not pointless, summer camp pastime, and "Consolation", a tongue-in-cheek reflection of a cancelled European trip, and the benefits of staying home instead. In addition to the poetry readings, Collins also spends some time in a brief question and answer session where he reflects on what makes good poetry, his own process of reaching his audiences as a poet, the success of his Poetry 180 programs in schools nationwide, and an amusing sidebar on his memories growing up as an only child. At times pensive and sardonic, amusing and subtly sarcastic, Billy Collins Live celebrates both the simple and the complex in a language that appeals to all.

©2005 Billy Collins (P)2005 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.
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Editor reviews

Why we think it's Essential: If you prefer your poetry dry, stale and dusty, stay clear of this program. However, if you prefer it to be warm, funny, and exciting, you are in luck. Or, if you don't know if you like poetry, I can assure you, you will enjoy Collins' accessible work. This former poet laureate offers such a wonderful performance that he upstages the introductory banter by comedian Bill Murray. — Beth Anderson

Critic reviews

  • 2005 Audie Award Nominee, Original Work

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A master of the art?

I lost 240 calories listening to some of this cycling on a boring old exercise bike at the gym. Yes yes loved it. Brilliant poetry as well as wit and insights. xxx

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