Maya Angelou: The Poetry of Living

by Margaret Courtney-Clarke

As an author, poet, actress, director, and civic leader, Maya Angelou has had a profound influence on the lives of millions around the world. Closer to home, she has also profoundly influenced her many friends and family members--by counseling, encouraging, praising, and exhorting, and not least, teaching by example. One of those whose lives she touched, photographer Margaret Courtney-Clarke, offers a tribute in these pages--moving and revealing portraits of her friend. Taken over the course of a year, at bookstore signings, on stage, and at home, Courtney-Clarke's photographs both celebrate and illuminate one of the great figures of our time.

Supporting the visual story are thoughts on Angelou's powers of friendship as interpreted by her friends, in chapters that highlight the poet's virtues--Joy, Giving, Learning, Perseverance, Creativity, Courage, Self-Respect, Spirituality, Love, and Taking Risks. Among those represented here, all of whom count Dr. Angelou as one of the most important persons in their lives, are leaders Coretta Scott King, Reverend Barbara King, and Andrew Young; singers Ashford and Simpson; and Dr. Angelou's son, the writer Guy Johnson. And in her touching foreword, Oprah Winfrey describes how Dr. Angelou came to be her "counsel, consultant, advisor, shoulder to cry on, Rock, Shield, Protector, Defender, Mama Bear, and Mother-Sister-Friend."

Maya Angelou's strength in the face of a difficult life, her concern for others, and the singular artistry of her writings give guidance to all who seek their own spiritual way in the world. In Courtney-Clarke's photographs and in the words of Dr. Angelou's closest friends, the true wisdom of her spirit emerges.

Genres: Poetry

132 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 1999

Reviews

[Mari McR · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Poetry of Living" is a perfect title for Maya Angelou's life. The images show the energy, unconditional love, wisdom, and happiness of her massive life. I most enjoyed the photographs and the chapter about her VOICE. I recall hearing her voice while she read her work during President Obama's inauguration. I was at the office where a group of us watched the celebration, and there were few dry eyes in that room. Maya Angelou's voice echoed, and it ebbed with messages of new beginnings and hope. I know two tweens who also read this book, and they remarked, "This poet has such a relaxed face, but she loved to dance!"

This book is short and beautiful. It has motivated me to read once more her novel that I initially read in college: "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."

[Marta E C R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, short book chock full of photographs of Maya Angelou and quotes about her by people close to her. It really gives a good understanding of this powerfully loving and giving individual.

[staykind · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow. you open the book knowing she's amazing, you finish it amazed.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is interspursed with quotes from Maya Angelou and personal stories about how Maya Angelou has impacted people's lives.

Maya Angelou's writing has always been an inspiration to me and this book really gives her writing justice and respect. Well-written. Recommend to everyone

[Jeanette Mccrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great short read that presented individual accounts from those whose lives Maya Angelou impacted most. It gave a great insight into the kind of person that she truly was.