The University of Arkansas Press is set to release a biography of poet Frank Stanford in summer 2025. Written by Texas State University history professor James McWilliams, “The Life and Poetry of Frank Stanford” is the first comprehensive study of Stanford and his work. McWilliams conducted extensive research for seven years, including over 200 interviews, to provide readers with insight into Stanford’s life and poetry. Stanford, who tragically took his own life at the age of 29 in 1978, is best known for his book-length poem “The Battlefield Where the Moon Says I Love You.” Copper Canyon Press reissued Stanford’s work in 2015, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
Stanford’s poetry explores themes such as language, sex, death, and surrealism, reflecting his own turbulent life marked by violence, alcoholism, and mental instability. Through the biography, readers will gain a deeper understanding of Stanford’s complex persona and his desire for beauty amidst the challenges he faced. The book aims to introduce Stanford’s poetry to a broader readership, showcasing his unique voice that transcends the ordinary to offer profound insights. The release of “The Life and Poetry of Frank Stanford” is highly anticipated and promises to shed light on the life and work of this influential poet.
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