The Richard Wilbur Award is an American poetry award and publishing prize given by University of Evansville in Indiana. It is named in honor of the American poet Richard Wilbur[A] and was established by William Baer, a professor at the University of Evansville. This biennial competition (awarded in even-numbered years) amongst all American poets awards publication of the winning manuscript by the University of Evansville Press and a small monetary prize.[6]
Open to all American poets, except previous Wilbur Award winners, the contest is "[n]amed in honor of the distinguished American poet Richard Wilbur, and welcomes submissions of unpublished, original poetry collections (public domain or permission-secured translations may comprise up to one-third of the manuscript). ... Winning manuscripts will reflect the thoughtful humanity and careful metrical craftsmanship of Richard Wilbur's poetry." The 2019 contest is being judged by Ned Balbo.[6] The award has an entry fee of $25 per manuscript, and the prize is $1000 plus publication.[7] After the retirement of Dr. William Baer in 2015, Professor Rob Griffith became of the director of the competition.
The submissions are judged without knowing the identity of the contributors.[6]
NPR journalist Michel Martin called it a "prestigious award".[8] Journalist Julie Gunter in National Catholic Reporter considered the award to be "coveted".[9]
The annual competition is conducted by the University of Evansville, is considered "prestigious", and attracts top shelf poets as judges.[10]
The U.S. poet laureate in 1987-88, Wilbur was often cited as an heir to Robert Frost and other New England writers and was the rare versifier to enjoy a following beyond the poetry community. He was regarded — not always favorably — as a leading "formalist," a master of old-fashioned meter and language who resisted contemporary trends. Wilbur was also known for his translations, especially of Moliere, Racine and other French playwrights.
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