William Logan (poet)
William Logan (born 1950) is an American poet and critic known for his formal verse, often acerbic reviews, and controversial opinions. He is the author of numerous books of poetry, including Sad-Faced Men (1982), Sullen Weedy Lakes (1991), Night Battle (2005), Madame X (2012), Dickinson's Nerves (2022) and several others. He is also a noted critic, publishing collections of his essays and reviews, often focusing on contemporary poetry.
Logan's poetry is characterized by its technical skill, particularly his use of traditional forms and meters, and his exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the natural world. His critical writing is often marked by its directness and uncompromising assessments of other poets' work, which has earned him both admirers and detractors. He has been described as a formalist with a romantic sensibility, and his work often exhibits a tension between these impulses.
Logan has taught at various universities, including the University of Florida, where he is currently a professor. He has received numerous awards and honors for his poetry and criticism, including the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry.