The Grand Permission is a book of deeply enriching and articulate meditations on motherhood and the composition of poetry by practicing poets. The 32 contributors write with originality and commitment about the startling, intense and dynamic connections between motherhood and creative achievement--connections that shed new light on the nature of language and genre, the practical life of mothering and the writing vocation. The book combines intimacy of tone and discussion of serious personal issues in new essays written in varied and innovative forms. This wonderful book is an ideal gift for mothers of all ages and creative pursuits, and especially valuable for writers concerned about how life decisions impact artistic choices.

CONTRIBUTORS: Mei-Mei Berssenbrugge, Jill Bialosky, Eavan Boland, Stephanie Brown, Norma Cole, Gillian Conoley, Toi Derricotte, Barbara Einzig, Carolyn Forche, Kathleen Fraser, Susan Gervirtz, Dale Going, Susan Griffin, Mimiko Hahn, Carla Harryman, Fanny Howe, Erica Hunt, Claudia Keelan, Maxine Kumin, Laura Moriarty, Carol Muske, Alice Notley, Alicia Ostriker, Maureen Owen, Frances Phillips, Pam Rehm, Elizabeth Robinson, Camille Roy, Mary Margaret Soan, C.D. Wright.