<DIV><p>“It is exhilarating to be invited into a world so large and muscular, so rooted in history, a world where so much is at stake.”—Brigit Pegeen Kelly, National Poetry Series judge</p><p>A biography in poems, <i>leadbelly</i> examines the life and times of the legendary blues musician from a variety of intimate perspectives and using a range of innovative poetic forms. A collage of song, culture, and circumstance, alive and speaking.</p><p><b>Tyehimba Jess</b>’ numerous awards include fellowships from the NEA and the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown. A native of Detroit, he is a proud alumnus of the Chicago Green Mill Slam teams and Cave Canem. His first nonfiction book is <i>African American Pride: Celebrating our Achievements, Contributions, and Enduring Legacy</i> (Citadel Press, 2003).</p></DIV>