Kaveh Akbar

Kaveh Akbar is an Iranian-American poet and novelist acclaimed for his lyrical explorations of addiction, spirituality, and identity. He is the author of the poetry collections "Calling a Wolf a Wolf" and "Pilgrim Bell," as well as the novel "Martyr!" His work has appeared in prestigious publications such as The New Yorker, Poetry, The Paris Review, and PBS NewsHour, establishing him as a significant voice in contemporary literature. Akbar's debut full-length poetry collection, "Calling a Wolf a Wolf," garnered critical praise for its raw and introspective examination of recovery and self-discovery.

Born in Tehran, Iran, Akbar's writing often grapples with themes of displacement, faith, and the complexities of belonging. His chapbook "Portrait of the Alcoholic" further delves into personal struggles with addiction, while his editorial work, including "The Penguin Book of Spiritual Verse" and "Another Last Call: Poems on Addiction and Deliverance," reflects his enduring engagement with spiritual and existential questions. Akbar's distinctive style blends confessional intensity with philosophical depth, earning him accolades such as the Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Fellowship.

Currently a professor at the University of Iowa, Akbar has also served as poetry editor for The Nation since 2020. His contributions to literary journals and anthologies, including Best American Poetry, underscore his influence as both a writer and a curator of poetic discourse. Akbar continues to shape conversations around contemporary poetry and prose through his teaching, editing, and evocative body of work.