Donald Hall Interview with Don Swaim

Donald Hall, U. S. Poet Laureate (2006-2007) discusses his book of essays, Seasons at Eagle Pond, during this 1990 interview with Don Swaim. Hall talks about living in a rural part of New Hampshire and the appeal of life in the country. They discuss the politics of the people of New Hampshire and the differences between poverty in the country and in the city. Donald Hall says he doesn't use a computer; he writes in longhand and hires a typist.

Hall tells how his childhood fondness for horror movies led him to the writings of Edgar Allan Poe and Poe led him to poetry. He says writing in volume helps pay the bills and explains that the revival of poetry readings has helped poets financially. He talks about becoming a better writer as he ages and how he changed his style of writing over the years.

Donald Hall reads his poems, To a Waterfowl and Mount Kearsarge.

Audio Interview with Donald Hall
Donald Hall Photo by Hugh Chatfield	Donald Hall, U. S. Poet Laureate (2006-2007) discusses his book of essays, Seasons at Eagle Pond, during this 1990 interview with Don Swaim. Hall talks about living in a rural part of New Hampshire and the appeal of life in the country. They discuss the politics of the people of New Hampshire and the differences between poverty in the country and in the city. Donald Hall says he doesn't use a computer; he writes in longhand and hires a typist. Hall tells how his childhood fondness for horror movies led him to the writings of Edgar Allan Poe and Poe led him to poetry. He says writing in volume helps pay the bills and explains that the revival of poetry readings has helped poets financially. He talks about becoming a better writer as he ages and how he changed his style of writing over the years. Donald Hall reads his poems, To a Waterfowl and Mount Kearsarge. Listen to the Donald Hall interview with Don Swaim, December 6, 1990 (41 min. 39 sec.)

Audio Interview with Donald Hall