Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University professor Rowan Ricardo Phillips has been recognized for his poetry book, "Silver," which has made the longlist for both the National Book Award and the Laurel Prize. Phillips, a Distinguished Professor in the Department of English at Stony Brook's College of Arts and Sciences, expressed his gratitude: “Poetry is a grand eternal art, both timeless and timely. I’m heartened that Silver is a grain of salt in that great sea.”

The National Book Award aims to celebrate outstanding literature published in the United States, while the Laurel Prize honors the best collection of environmental or nature poetry published annually. The finalists for the National Book Award will be announced on October 1, 2024, and the Laurel Prize shortlist will follow on October 7.

Benedict Robinson, chair of Stony Brook's Department of English, praised Phillips' work: “To be longlisted for the National Book Award is a huge honor... Silver is a tremendous accomplishment and a major addition to a brilliant poetic career.” Robinson highlighted how Phillips’ poetry blends tradition with contemporary influences from New York and his upbringing in the Bronx.

"Silver" has also received attention from literary circles beyond these nominations. It was recently reviewed by the Times Literary Supplement, and Phillips’ poem “The First and Final Poem Is the Sun” was featured in "Best American Poetry 2024." In recognition of these achievements, Stony Brook University’s Department of English plans to host a poetry reading event on November 14.

Phillips completed his doctorate in English Literature at Brown University in 2003. His accolades include numerous awards such as the Nicolás Guillén Outstanding Book Award and fellowships from prestigious institutions like the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. He was previously nominated for several significant literary prizes including another National Book Award nomination for his collection "Heaven."