The Old Life

The prize-winning poet’s collection of autobiographical poems is “the work of a master, all the more poignant for its frankness . . . in the face of tragedy” ( Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ). One of America’s most celebrated poets, Donald Hall was at the height of his powers when he wrote The Old Life . Intimate, anecdotal and often funny, these autobiographical poems follow Hall from his boyhood to his developing acquaintance with fellow poets—including seniors like Robert Frost and c