Tony Hoagland

Tony Hoagland was an acclaimed American poet and essayist known for his sharp, often humorous examinations of contemporary culture. His poetry collections include "Sweet Ruin," which won the Brittingham Prize in Poetry and the Zacharis Award, and "Donkey Gospel," recipient of the James Laughlin Award. Other notable works such as "What Narcissism Means to Me" were finalists for the National Book Critics Circle Award, while later volumes like "Priest Turned Therapist Treats Fear of God" further cemented his reputation for incisive social commentary. Hoagland also authored critical essays on poetry, including "Real Sofistakashun" and "Twenty Poems That Could Save America and Other Essays."

Renowned for his accessible yet biting style, Hoagland's writing combined colloquial language with keen observations on American life. Critics praised his ability to capture the "demonic" energy of the American vernacular, as noted by The New York Times. His thematic range spanned self-reflection, societal critique, and the complexities of human relationships. Beyond his literary achievements, he received prestigious honors such as the Poetry Foundation’s Mark Twain Award, the Jackson Poetry Prize, and the O.B. Hardison Prize for his contributions to teaching. Hoagland held teaching positions at the University of Houston and the Warren Wilson MFA Program until his passing in 2018.