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Charles Simic, U.S. Poet Laureate: A Resource Guide

American poet Charles Simic served as U.S. Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry from 2007-2008 at the Library of Congress. This guide provides access to selected print and online resources related to Simic’s life and work.

Introduction

U.S. Poet Laureate Philip Simic. 2007-2008. Photo credit: Scott Cook.

On August 2, 2007, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington announced the appointment of Charles Simic to be the 15th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress. On making the appointment, Billington said,

"The range of Charles Simic’s imagination is evident in his stunning and unusual imagery. He handles language with the skill of a master craftsman, yet his poems are easily accessible, often meditative and surprising. He has given us a rich body of highly organized poetry with shades of darkness and flashes of ironic humor."

This guide provides an overview of print and online resources related to Charles Simic's life and work. To suggest additions to this guide, please contact the Researcher and Reference Services Division.

Contact Information for Charles Simic

If you would like to contact Charles Simic please direct your inquiries as suggested below:

  • Reading and Event Requests: Contact Blue Flower Arts External, which represents Charles Simic, if you would like to schedule Simic for a reading or other event.
  • Permissions Requests: Contact the publisher of the poem or work written by Simic that you'd like to use.
  • Reference Questions: Use the Library's Ask a Librarian service.