Joseph Brodsky, U.S. Poet Laureate: A Resource Guide
American poet Joseph Brodsky served as U.S. Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry from 1991-1992 at the Library of Congress. This guide provides access to selected print and online resources related to Brodsky’s life and work.
Peter Armenti, Reference Specialist, Researcher and Reference Services Division
Created: July 14, 2022
Last Updated: July 14, 2022
Introduction
On May 10, 1991, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington appointed Joseph Brodsky (1940-1996) the fifth Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress. Brodsky moved to the United States in 1972 and became an American citizen after he was exiled from the Soviet Union.
Brodsky took up his duties in fall 1991, opening the Library's annual literary season on October 2nd with a lecture held in the Mumford Room.
Brodsky served one term as poet laureate, finishing his duties in spring 1992.