Philip Schultz

Philip Schultz

Philip Schultz is an American poet and author who has achieved both national and international acclaim for his work. Born in Rochester, New York in 1945, he was raised in an environment that was spiritually centered. His mother was a devout Catholic, while his father was a Jewish war veteran, still deeply affected by his service. Philip’s religious upbringing allowed him to have a strong bond with the Old Testament, which he drew upon throughout his writing career, weaving in these stories and references.

Philip studied at the University of Michigan before receiving a BA from the University of Rochester in 1968. After college, he served in the U.S. Air Force and participated in the Vietnam War. Following his return from the war, he obtained a master's degree from Brooklyn College in English Literature, before launching his teaching career at Long Island University.

Philip Schultz has written and edited numerous books, including “Living in the Past”, “Failure”, “My Dyslexia”, and “The Wherewithal". His works have won several awards such as the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, National Poetry Series, and Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize. He has been featured in major publications such as The New Yorker, The Nation, and The New York Times.

One of Philip’s most popular books is “Living in the Past”, a collection of poetry relying heavily on his experiences in the Vietnam War. This collection of poems has a strong blend of beauty in both language and message. Throughout, Philip explores the profound impact of war on the lives of those involved, including himself. He reflects on the cost of war and provides insight into the lingering effects of combat on his own life, as well as that of his fellow soldiers.

In “Failure”, Philip takes an examination of the failure and self-doubt that come with artistic endeavor. His poetry highlights his own journey of artistic self-discovery, offering an accessible and introspective insight into the human condition. His musings on the subject of failure often have a double structure of hope and despair, and his powerful quotes on the subject have been published in several media outlets.

In “My Dyslexia”, Philip delves into the difficulties of living with dyslexia but highlights his determination to overcome educational barriers. He shares his story of struggle and uses his own experience to inspire readers. Philip wrote this book to make a difference in the lives of young people with dyslexia, and it has been praised for its compassionate and inspirational approach..

In “The Wherewithal”, Philip brings together a representation of his many voices as a poet. The collection explores different areas of his life, from his struggles with war to his childhood memories to his connections with nature. His poems draw on his experiences as a Marine, father, and artist for inspiration, confronting both pain and joy in the process.

In conclusion, Philip Schultz is a renowned American poet and author who has achieved both national and international recognition for his extensive body of work. His works explore a wide range of topics, such as war, failure, dyslexia and childhood memories, often drawing on his own experiences to create meaningful and powerful messages. His award-winning books are a testament to his talent and skill as a writer.

Author books:

The Wherewithal: A Novel in Verse

The Wherewithal: A Novel in Verse

The Wherewithal is a poetic book about loss, grief and hope, exploring the fragility of life with heartbreaking beauty.