The poetry a president reads or writes can provide a better understanding of the individual who occupies the Oval Office, and examining such works may reveal insights into leadership styles and the exercise of power.
Paul Ferlazzo, English professor emeritus, recently published Poetry and the American Presidency, which tells the story of 18 U.S. presidents—from Washington to Obama—who read poetry, wrote poetry and wrote about poetry.
Ferlazzo will present “Poetry and Poets in the White House: The Surprising Story of Literature and Power” with highlights from his book as part of the Summer Seminar Series from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 26, at La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Ariz.