The Determined Days
by Philip Stephens

The Determined Days, Philip Stephens’ debut collection of poetry, is a startling consideration of labor, life, and relationships that raises our hopes for contemporary American poetry.

"At a time when humdrum verse is sunk in soundlessness, Stephens emerges as a member of the small but impressive avant-garde charged by awareness of the sound of meaning. This is an exciting and distinguished book."
— John Hollander

"These vigorous, sometimes brutal, poems are familially related as well as indebted to Frost’s blank verse dramatic narratives . . . Read as a whole—as they should be—the cumulative effect of this truly accomplished collection is powerful, disturbing, and authoritative. I am filled with admiration for Mr. Stephens’ work."
— Anthony Hecht