Book Reading: Robert West's new book, A Clear Eye
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State Poet and Professor Robert M. West will present a reading of his newest poetry collection, A Clear Eye, on April 20 at 4 p.m. in Old Main 1030, offering audiences an opportunity to experience the luminosity and precision that defines his latest work.
“I think a lot of people have the idea that poetry is something esoteric and difficult. I hope anyone joining us will leave feeling reassured that it doesn’t have to be like that. I’m with poet A. R. Ammons when he writes, ‘I believe in fun,’” said West.
The reading, sponsored by MSU’s Department of English, will feature selections from A Clear Eye, a February 2026 Broadstone Books publication, followed by a question-and-answer session and book signing. The event is free and open to the public.
A Clear Eye is West’s newest poetry collection, bringing together carefully crafted poems that reflect on nature, language and human experience. The collection continues his exploration of compact poetic form, emphasizing clarity, restraint and lyrical precision.
A specialist in post-1900 American and British literature, West has led the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures since 2021 and began serving this spring as interim associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Arts and Sciences. He previously served as interim director of the Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College and helped guide MSU’s successful effort to establish a Phi Beta Kappa chapter in 2018.
For more information about MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures, visit www.cas.msstate.edu and www.cmll.msstate.edu.
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