Authors McIlvoy and Yurdana to Speak at OSU on Feb. 1

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Novelist Kevin McIlvoy and poet Matt Yurdana will speak and read from their works on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at Oregon State University as part of the Visiting Writers Series hosted by OSU's Department of English.

The event begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union's La Raza Room and is free and open to the public.

McIlvoy has written four novels and published a collection of short stories called "the Complete History of New Mexico." He also has edited the journal "Puerto del Sol" for 23 years and his work appears frequently in literary magazines. His books include "A Waltz," "The Fifth Station," "Little Peg" and "Hyssop."

McIlvoy has been described by critics as one of the country's most talented and original writers. He is on the English department faculty at New Mexico State University.

Yurdana published his first book of poems just last fall, but his work has appeared in numerous journals and he has won the Pushcart Prize, the Academy of American Poets Award and other honors. His debut book, "Public Gestures," was praised by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gary Snyder, who called it a "hugely refreshing book."

Snyder called Yurdana's poems intelligent, as well as "slightly daft, mildly sinister (and) subtly funny."

A book signing with the authors will follow the readings. The OSU Visiting Writers Series is also supported by the Valley Library and the Office of the Provost.