Black Buffalo Woman: An Introduction to the Poetry & Poetics of Lucille Clifton

This long-awaited and much-needed volume shines new light on one of America’s most beloved, and profound, poets--Lucille Clifton.

Black Buffalo Woman is a deep, comprehensive dive into Clifton’s work through the eyes of celebrated poet and scholar, Kazim Ali. Collecting chapters of Clifton’s early manuscripts, late drafts, and integrating her books of children’s literature, Ali’s meticulously researched volume provides a brilliant and fresh perspective on Clifton’s life and work.

Various chapters examine Clifton’s treatment of the body as a site of both joy and danger, spirituality, and interrogation of American history, politics, and popular culture. The result of Ali’s scholarship and care highlights a dazzling array of Clifton’s poetic techniques and forms that will continue to inspire poets for decades to come.

Kazim Ali’s books encompass multiple genres, including the volumes of poetry Inquisition, Sky Ward, winner of the Ohioana Book Award in Poetry; The Far Mosque, winner of Alice James Books’ New England/New York Award; The Fortieth Day; All One’s Blue; and the cross-genre texts Bright Felon and Wind Instrument. His novels include, The Secret Room: A String Quartet and his hybrid memoirs include, Silver Road: Essays, Maps& Calligraphies and Fasting for Ramadan: Notes from a Spiritual Practice.

Ali is also an accomplished translator and an editor of several anthologies and criticisms. After a career in public policy and organizing, he taught at various colleges and universities. He is currently a Professor of Comparative Literature and Creative Writing, and chair of the Department of Literature at the University of California, San Diego. His newest books are Sukun: New and Selected Poems, and the novel Indian Winter.