New York Times bestselling author and former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins captures the essence and mystery of dogs in this special collection of poems inspired by our beloved companions, with striking watercolor canine portraits by Pamela Sztybel.
As Oprah says on Oprah Daily online: “This collection of 25 poems by Billy Collins is a sweet gift for dog lovers. ‘A Dog on His Master’ is a favorite of mine.”
“Everyone who has a dog—or still grieves for one—will find themselves in this collection of witty, sweet and poignant poems by former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins . . [an] eminently giftable collection.”—The Washington Post
“There are lots of books about man’s best friend, but none as sweet or as beautiful as Dog Show.”—Air Mail
“The pleasures here are many for Collins fans, dog lovers, and any reader looking for clever, poignant, and spirit-lifting poems accompanied by deft, lively, and affectionate paintings.”—Booklist
Billy Collins’s Dog Show celebrates the joy of our canine best friends, honoring the love we feel for the animals who play such vital roles in our lives. In twenty-five poems, Collins distills the many ways dogs warm our hearts, from the happiness we experience as we watch a dog run unencumbered by our burdens, to the silliness of cradling a dog in our arms as we step on the scale together. Turning his inimitable eye and ear to the complexities of dog behavior, Collins ponders all that these winning creatures give us and what we learn from them about ourselves.
For more than four decades Collins has delighted readers with his insight, wit, and clear poetic voice. In Dog Show, “America’s favorite poet” (The Wall Street Journal) illuminates America’s favorite pet (sorry, cat lovers). Accompanied by Pamela Sztybel’s watercolors, which effortlessly depict a dog’s humble grace, Dog Show reveals the profound role these majestic animals play in our lives and the meaning they give us.
About the Author
Billy Collins is the author of fifteen collections of poetry, including Sailing Alone Around the Room, Aimless Love and, most recently, Water, Water. He served two terms as United State Poet Laureate and is a former Distinguished Professor of English at Lehman College and New York State Poet. He is a New York Public Library Literary Lion and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He is currently “between dogs,” his most recent an Australian Shepherd mix named Jeannine. He lives in Winter Park, Florida, with his wife Suzannah.
Pamela Sztybel is a painter who divides her time between New York City and Bridgewater, Connecticut. She has a dog named Jack.
Praise For…
“Collins remains the most companionable of poetic companions.”—The New York Times
“The slim volume of 25 poems by Billy Collins, the former U.S. Poet Laureate, is a tribute to canines and is complete with splendid watercolor illustrations by Pamela Sztybel. Best of all, you do not have to own one as a pet (or, more to the truth, be owned by one) to revel in verses like this.”—Air Mail
“[Dog Show] displays how full of feelings each individual canine is and how precious the friendship of a dog can be. The pleasures here are many for Collins fans, dog lovers, and any reader looking for clever, poignant, and spirit-lifting poems accompanied by deft, lively, and affectionate paintings.”—Booklist
“Dog Show is a heartwarming collection regardless of whether or not you have a dog. In fact, there is even a poem directed at cat owners. Most of all, everyone will gain some important insight into the world of dogs and those who love them. When you read a Billy Collins poem, it is entertainment, almost as if you are listening to a beautiful song. Take a moment to enjoy where his poetry takes you.”—Bookreporter
