Jackson Poetry Prize

The Jackson Poetry Prize honors an American poet of exceptional talent who deserves wider recognition. It was established in 2006 with a gift from the Liana Foundation and is named for the John and Susan Jackson family. Eligible poets must have published at least two books of acknowledged literary merit. The $50,000 prize is designed to provide what all poets need—time and the encouragement to write. There is no application process for the Jackson Poetry Prize—nominees are identified by a group of poets selected by Poets & Writers who remain anonymous; final selection is made by a panel of esteemed poets.

The 2011 Jackson Poetry Prize recipient was James Richardson. Mr. Richardson was selected by three esteemed judges—the poets Mark Doty, Rita Dove, and Gerald Stern. Read the press release.

Past winners of the Jackson Poetry Prize:

2010 - Harryette Mullen
Judges: Fanny Howe, Ted Kooser, and C.K. Williams

2009 - Linda Gregg
Judges: Brenda Hillman, Edward Hirsch, and Charles Simic

2008 - Tony Hoagland
Judges: Philip Levine, Robert Pinsky, and Ellen Bryant Voigt

2007 - Elizabeth Alexander
Judges: Lucille Clifton, Stephen Dunn, and Jane Hirshfield

View videos of Harryette Mullen reading her work at a Poets & Writers event.

View a video of Linda Gregg reading her work at a Poets & Writers event.

View a video of Tony Hoagland reading his work at a Poets & Writers event.

View a video of Elizabeth Alexander reading her work at a Poets & Writers event.