Owls and Other Fantasies: poems and essays

In this elegantly designed volume, Mary Oliver collects twenty-three of her poems about the birds that have been such an important part of her life-hawks, hummingbirds, and herons, kingfishers and crows, swans, swallows, and, of course, the snowy owl, and a dozen others—including six poems that have never before been collected. She adds two beautifully crafted essays, the prizewinning "Owls" and "Bird," a new essay that will surely take its place among the classics of the genre.

In the words of the poet Stanley Kunitz, "Mary Oliver's poetry is fine and deep; it reads like a blessing. Her special gift is to connect us with our sources in the natural world, its beauties and terrors and mysteries and consolations."

"Far beneath the surface-flash of linguistic effect, Mary Oliver works her quiet and mysterious spell. It is a true spell, unlike any other poet's, the enchantment of the true maker."
—James Dickey

"A great poet . . . she is amazed but not blinded."
— The Boston Globe

For anyone who values poetry and essays, or anyone who cares about birds, Owls and Other Fantasies will be a treasured gift; for those who love both, it will be essential reading.