UE Professor Publishes Anthology on Taylor Swift inspired poems
EVANSVILLE, IND. (07/18/2024) University of Evansville (UE) Professor Kristie Frederick Daugherty has turned the music of Taylor Swift into poetic inspiration, recently publishing a captivating new anthology of poems influenced by the pop sensation’s songs.
Invisible Strings includes a unique collection that features contributions from 113 contemporary poets and brings together a powerhouse group of Pulitzer-prize winning laureates, including the likes of Kate Baer, Maggie Smith, Joy Harjo, and UE Associate Professor of Creative Writing Katie Mullins to celebrate and explore the lyrical genius of Taylor Swift.
In the book, each poet offers an original poem that responds to a specific Taylor Swift song. In true Swift fashion, the anthology invites readers to decode the poems, as each piece alludes to a song without using direct lyrics. The anthology includes works from a diverse and accomplished array of writers.
Daugherty also plans to speak on July 31 at Poet and Professor Stephanie Burt’s Harvard summer poetry class, sharing her insights on poetry and her work on Invisible Strings. In February, Daugherty presented at Swiftposium, the first international academic conference hosted by scholars from 78 academic institutions worldwide, dedicated to the cultural phenomenon that is Taylor Swift.
Daugherty holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Poetry from Vermont College of Fine Arts and is currently a PhD candidate in Literature/Criticism at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She is writing a dissertation that examines how Taylor Swift’s lyrics intersect with contemporary poetry, further establishing her as a leading voice in the field.
“Taylor Swift has captivated millions with her songwriting and Invisible Strings allows Swifties to experience the profundity and nuance of her lyrics through the lens of contemporary poetry,” said Daugherty. “This anthology offers a one-of-a-kind experience, inviting fans to match the poems to songs from all of Swift’s eras, including vault tracks. For poetry lovers, it presents an unparalleled collection of new work from today’s most lauded and revered poets.”
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university located in the southwestern region of Indiana. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and vibrant campus community of changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University’s very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
