Kathleen Fraser (1935-2019) : Small Press Distribution

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Katheleen Fraser, In Memoriam (1935-2019)

It is with great sadness that SPD heard about the recent parting of local poet, teacher and friend of SPD, Kathleen Fraser, whose work and teaching meant so much to so many. The Bay Area poetry scene has flourished in no small part because of her hard work.

Known for her remarkable body of work--encompassing more than a dozen collections of poetry, seven collaborative artist's books, a volume of essays, and her landmark editorial work championing women writers--Kathleen Fraser made a unique, unparalleled contribution to American literature. She saw her work as "making textures and structures of poetry in the tentative region of the untried." Or as The New York Times said: "Fraser inhabits a room unquestionably her own, outside any school of poetry."

Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with her family, friends, and loved ones.

We are fortunate to carry the below titles by Kathleen, just a handful from her extensive bibliography:

Dear Kathleen: On the Occasion of Kathleen Fraser's 80th Birthday
(Nightboat Books, 2017)
By Stephen Motika and Susan Gevirtz, editors

In Commemoration of the Visit
(Further Other Book Works, 2016)
By Kathleen Fraser and Robert Gluck

movable TYYPE
(Nightboat Books, 2011)
By Kathleen Fraser

Discrete Categories Forced into Coupling
(Apogee Press, 2004)
By Kathleen Fraser

You can read more about Kathleen Fraser and her extraordinary writing and life in this obituary, or this interview.