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Billy Collins Live: A Performance at the Peter Norton Symphony Space April 20, 2005 [Audiobook, Unabridged] [Audio CD]

Billy Collins , Bill Murray
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)

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Book Description

August 2, 2005
In this exclusive audio publishing event, Billy Collins, former U.S. Poet Laureate, shares an evening of his poetry in a benefit reading for WNYC, New York Public Radio. Often compared to Robert Frost, his poetry has been embraced by people of all ages and backgrounds, and his readings are most often standing room only.

Performed by the author at Peter Norton Symphony Space in New York City, Billy Collins reads 24 of his poems, including "Dharma" --a spiritual yet humbling ode to man's best friend, "The Lanyard--an amusing recollection about the popular, if not pointless, summer camp pastime, and "Consolation" --a tongue-in-cheek reflection of a cancelled European trip, and the benefits of staying home instead. In addition to the poetry readings, Collins also spends some time in a brief question and answer session where he reflects on what makes good poetry, his own process of reaching his audiences as a poet, the success of his Poetry 180 programs in schools nationwide, and an amusing sidebar on his memories growing up as an only child. At times pensive and sardonic, amusing and subtly sarcastic, Billy Collins Live celebrates both the simple and the complex in a language that appeals to all.

Frequently Bought Together

Billy Collins Live: A Performance at the Peter Norton Symphony Space April 20, 2005 + Sailing Alone Around the Room: New and Selected Poems + The Trouble with Poetry and Other Poems
Price for all three: $40.75

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Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

ABOUT THIS BOOK

BONUS FEATURE: Includes a 5-minute live introduction by actor Bill Murray

In this exclusive audio publishing event, Billy Collins, former U.S. Poet Laureate, shares an evening of his poetry in a benefit reading for WNYC, New York Public Radio. Often compared to Robert Frost, his poetry has been embraced by people of all ages and backgrounds, and his readings are most often standing room only.

Performed by the author at Peter Norton Symphony Space in New York City, Billy Collins reads 24 of his poems, including "Dharma" --a spiritual yet humbling ode to man's best friend, "The Lanyard--an amusing recollection about the popular, if not pointless, summer camp pastime, and "Consolation" --a tongue-in-cheek reflection of a cancelled European trip, and the benefits of staying home instead. In addition to the poetry readings, Collins also spends some time in a brief question and answer session where he reflects on what makes good poetry, his own process of reaching his audiences as a poet, the success of his Poetry 180 programs in schools nationwide, and an amusing sidebar on his memories growing up as an only child. At times pensive and sardonic, amusing and subtly sarcastic, Billy Collins Live celebrates both the simple and the complex in a language that appeals to all.

About the Author

Billy Collins is the author of six collections of poetry, including Sailing Alone Around the Room; Questions About Angels; The Art of Drowning; and Picnic, Lightning. He is a Distinguished Professor of English at Lehman College of the City University of New York. Collins is the Poet Laureate of the United States.


From the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

  • Audio CD
  • Publisher: Random House Audio; Unabridged edition (August 2, 2005)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0739320114
  • ISBN-13: 978-0739320112
  • Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.6 x 5.8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,094 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars
(28)
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And this is the first audio performance CD I've ever purchased. Jules  |  5 reviewers made a similar statement
First, it was e. e. cummings then Pablo Neruda and now Billy Collins. jidazosp  |  6 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
48 of 50 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Like a jacuzzi after a long trek through a desert December 7, 2006
Format:Audio CD
I hate poetry. Really, I just decided once and for all that I hate it. I had to go to a poetry reading the other night and I tried drinking beforehand, and I realized very quickly that all the beer in the world wasn't going to make me happy listening to what passes for poetry these days. It's like everyone got excited by Ezra Pound and T.S. Eliot and decided to go for the random word generator school of poetry. Angsty teen poetry and adult contemporary poetry - there's not much difference.

Which is why I love this CD so much. In a little more than an hour, Billy Collins completely changes my mind about what poetry should be like. It's funny. It's witty. He's actually writing for an audience that isn't full of fellow poets who think that "deep" is a substitute for entertaining. And yes, it's entertaining. The poem about the dog that he put to sleep is sad and funny. The summer camp poem actually reminded me of that stupid craft that I also made at summer camp - only in the 80s instead of the 60s. The haiku poem was great and the poem about looking out the window was just too amazing. And the simile poem is a beautiful slap in the face to the simile and metaphor.

I'm sure that Billy Collins has some detractors. I don't know why. But when I go to poetry readings and I listen to the droning of the metaphor and rhythm I'm sure that many of the professional poets envy him. Or declare him too simple. But he's not simple at all. He's just that funny and entertaining. Sure, I also like poems that have multiple themes from all societies and Catheryne Valente does those very well, but for now I'm going to let Billy Collins restore my faith in poetry.

Just don't ask me to go to your professor's poetry reading.
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32 of 32 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome! Funny! Thoroughly entertaining and delicious!! October 13, 2005
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
"The Best Cigarette" is good. This is fantastic. Live reading by the auther is how Collins' poems should all be heard. Bill Murray's introduction will have you in stitches. There is nothing like this and you should own this. Do not wait, order now. The only way this could be better is if it were longer and included more poems. Let's hope for more recorded performances by this modern genius poet.
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Magical August 12, 2005
Format:Audio CD
I listened to this 3 times while driving around this past week. For a casual poetry fan like me, the cd is tremendously entertaining. As much as I like reading Billy Collin's poetry, hearing it spoken was a real treat. In particular, the humorous aspect was intensified. Some of his poems are downright hilarious. The cadence of his language is wonderful. The poems manage to be simple but thoughtful. I strongly recommend the cd.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars It is a great recording and Billy Collins is a great poet!!
It is one of my favorite, if not my favorite, recording of a living poet. Collins not only can write wonderful poetry, but he can deliver his poetry to an audience in a manner... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Joyce H. McAllister
5.0 out of 5 stars If you don't know Billy Collins...
...you should. There is no better way to get acquainted to America's greatest living poet than with this recording. Some funny, some sad and all with a unique observational touch.
Published 4 months ago by tcraftbob
5.0 out of 5 stars Poetry and Laughter -- Best I've Heard
I must start out by saying that I've been a huge Billy Collins fan forever. And this is the first audio performance CD I've ever purchased. I was thrilled with what I heard. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Jules
5.0 out of 5 stars BUY this CD
I'd heard Billy Collins on "Prairie Home Companion" so when I spotted this on our local library shelves, I thought I'd try a longer reading. Read more
Published on December 30, 2010 by Margaret Arculus
5.0 out of 5 stars A welcome surprise
I am not a huge fan of poetry; it's not that I dislike it; it is just not something I look for while searching for a good read. However I was convinced to give Billy Collins a try. Read more
Published on March 2, 2009 by Linda A. Slott
5.0 out of 5 stars Billy Collins: Long may he live!
If you can get past an idiotic short introduction by Bill Murray, you'll enjoy a wonderful experience. Billy Collins has created true poetry that will make you think and laugh.
Published on June 30, 2008 by Martin Greenberg
5.0 out of 5 stars worth the effort
I heard Billy Collins speak in Wellington early one chilly Sunday morning. He commented that he was amazed anyone would want to get out of bed and listen to him on such a cold day... Read more
Published on May 9, 2008 by Angi
5.0 out of 5 stars Billy Collins CD
As always, Billy Collins is above and beyond in his poetry readings. Great humor, great heart and an accessibility rarely found in intellectual circles! Read more
Published on March 21, 2008 by M. Whittaker
5.0 out of 5 stars Take the phone off the hook
This is a figure of speech of course - once upon a time... never mind, but you'd burn your dinner or if it's cooked, then the food on your fork will miss you mouth, if you try to... Read more
Published on March 15, 2008 by M. Tang
5.0 out of 5 stars Use this in your classroom.
My high school students fell in love with Collins. Even the chronically apathetic perked up during his reading... Read more
Published on September 7, 2007 by A. McClurg
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