Peter Conners

Peter Conners is a prolific writer known for his works spanning nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. Since the mid-1980s, he has published nine books, including acclaimed nonfiction titles such as "Cornell ‘77," "Growing Up Dead," "JAMerica," and "White Hand Society," which established him as a leading voice in chronicling the Grateful Dead, jam band culture, and countercultural movements. His debut novel, "Merch Table Blues," and the prose poetry collection "Beyond the Edge of Suffering" were released in 2022, marking his return to fiction and poetry after a decade.

Conners' writing blends poetic lyricism with scholarly rigor, earning praise from outlets like NPR Books and "The San Francisco Chronicle". His 2017 book, "Cornell ‘77," was included in the Grammy-nominated Grateful Dead box set "May 1977: Get Shown the Light." Beyond his own works, he has edited numerous poetry and prose anthologies, including "PP/FF: An Anthology."

Residing in Rochester, New York, Conners serves as Executive Director and Publisher of BOA Editions, Ltd., an award-winning independent press. His contributions to literature and music journalism continue to resonate with readers and critics alike.
Poetry Collections
# Title Year
1 Of Whiskey and Winter 2007
2 Emily Ate the Wind 2008
3 The Crows Were Laughing in Their Trees 2011
4 Beyond the Edge of Suffering: Prose Poems 2022
Non-Fiction Books
# Title Year
1 Growing Up Dead 2009
2 White Hand Society 2010
3 JAMerica 2013
4 Cornell '77 2017
5 Merch Table Blues 2022
Peter Conners Anthologies
# Title Year
1 Quick Fiction 2 2002
2 The Literary Review: Scenester 2013