Nine Skies

Selected by Sandra McPhersonfor the 1996 National Poetry SeriesThe late poet James V. Dickeywas judge of the Yale Prize poetry competition when he wrote to A. V.Christie, one of the finalists, "I have become very fond of yourpoems, especially the elegiac ones. . . . Your work is heartfelt; onebelieves every word of it. . . . You have given me much in-depth pleasure;have moved me strongly."The work in Nine Skies is as Dickey described it--heartfelt, moving. Here is what otherssay about it:"Beautifully craftedand sustained, with six or seven poems as fine as anything being writtentoday. This remarkable book is a rite of passage for the poet and speaksof even better things to come." -- Elizabeth Spires"Only the best poetryis written this well, with this much craft and conviction. Of course thepoems are meditative and elegiac, brilliant and finely detailed, but theyare also thought through and wholly felt, so that even in their smallmoments they celebrate."-- Stanley Plumly"A. V. Christie writeswith a Romantic's eye and a Realist's heart, so there is no sentimentality,that sickness afflicting our age. The voice on these pages is hard-bitten,luxuriant, and true." -- Henri Cole"Nine Skies isa graceful realization in each detail of elegy or celebration." --Sandra McPherson