November 22, 1993

Contact: Gary Fitzpatrick (202) 707-8542
Helen Dalrymple (202) 707-1940

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Library of Congress Issues Videotape of Poet Laureate Rita Dove

The Library of Congress has just released the videotape of "A Conversation With Poet Laureate Rita Dove." The video will be available beginning December 10 for $15.95 from the Library's Sales Shop and at subsequent literary events held at the Library. This new 30-minute video of Ms. Dove was directed by Ray Schmitt of Real Earth Productions and produced by John Sullivan of the Library's Public Affairs Office. It comprises an interview of Ms. Dove by National Public Radio's Susan Stamberg, taped in the Poetry Office on October 15, and footage of her first reading on October 7 in the Library's Great Hall. Also included in the video are still photos relating to Ms. Dove's background and family, as well as a brief history of the term "Poet Laureate" and a chronicle of former Library laureates and consultants in poetry.

The second woman in the post since "Poet Laureate" was added in 1985 to the title "Consultant in Poetry," Ms. Dove is the seventh Poet Laureate, succeeding Robert Penn Warren, Richard Wilbur, Howard Nemerov, Mark Strand, Joseph Brodsky, and, most recently, Mona Van Duyn. Ms. Dove is the youngest Poet Laureate, at age 41,and is on a year's sabbatical from her teaching post at the University of Virginia. Among Ms. Dove's credits is her recent recognition by Glamour magazine, which included her in its "Women of the Year" awards. Ms. Dove's works include Grace Notes (1989), Thomas and Beulah (1986), for which she won a Pulitzer Prize in 1987, Museum (1983), and The Yellow House on the Corner (1980). She is also the author of a collection of short stories, Fifth Sunday (1985), and a novel, Through the Ivory Gate (1992).

Visitors to the Library may purchase the video at the Sales Shop in the Madison Building, or may request it through the mail, for an additional $5 for shipping and handling. Purchases may be made by check, money order, or with Master Card or Visa. Mail requests to Library of Congress. Sales Office, Washington, D.C. 20540, or call (202) 707-0204.

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PR 93-150
11/22/93
ISSN 0731-3527