Nathaniel ("Neil") Perry is one of the absolutely finest poets I know, with a formal dexterity that is exceptionally rare. (Just have a look at three of his poems from storySouth for a sample.) I was in school with him for a bit at Indiana University, and let me tell you that this guy is the real deal--as a poet, as an editor, as a critic. So I am thrilled to hear that he has won the 2011 APR/Honickman Book Prize. His work deserves this.
Regardless of the quality of his work, Mr. Perry is showing poor judgment this hour. He is visiting the campus of WKCTC despite that college's abusing the civil rights of a student. Ironically, that student is an excellent poet, also.
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