Poetry. Latino/Latina Studies. These poems mine the rich history and broad influence of Islam in Spain and beyond, and illuminate connections between places as diverse and far-flung as Puerto Rican villages, the bustling streets of New York, and the sun-drenched beaches of Morocco. "Mr. Cruz's work has extended the linguistic, historical and geographical horizons within which we think of American poetry, doing so with masterful music, intelligence and humor"—Nathaniel Mackey.

Author City: Aguas Buenas PUE

Victor Hernández Cruz is the author of several collections of poetry including, most recently, THE MOUNTAIN IN THE SEA and IN THE SHADOW OF AL- ANDALUS. His highly acclaimed first book, Snaps, was published the year he turned nineteen. Featured in Bill Moyers's Language of Life series, Cruz's collection, MARACA, was a finalist for the Lenore Marshall and Griffin Poetry Prizes. His legendary dynamic reading ability has led to him being twice crowned as the World Heavyweight Poetry Champion in Taos. Cruz was born in Puerto Rico and moved to New York at the age of five. After teaching for many years in the San Francisco Bay area, he has recently returned to the place of his birth. He now divides his time between Morocco and his native Puerto Rico.