Measures of Astonishment is a refreshing and eclectic mix of deeply personal and formal essays that offer a glimpse into the minds of some of Canada's most influential poets. In addition to Margaret Atwood, the contributors to this volume include a who's who of the country's literary elite: Anne Carson, George Elliott Clarke, Anne Simpson, Tim Lilburn, A.F. Moritz, Marilyn Bowering, Mark Abley, Glen Sorestad, Robert Currie, Don McKay, Lillian Allen and Gregory Scofield. Measures of Astonishment shines a northern light on poetry, offering unique perspectives as to what it is, what it does, and why it matters.

Most of the essays in this volume were previously presented as lectures as part of the Anne Szumigalski lecture series.

Preface / Glen Sorestad -- Acknowledgements -- 2002: Poetry's practice of philosophy / Tim Lilburn -- 2004: Every exit is an entrance (a praise of sleep) / Anne Carson -- 2005: Frederick Ward : writing as jazz / George Elliott Clarke -- 2006: Why poetry? / Margaret Atwood -- 2007: The angel of the big muddy / Mark Abley -- 2008: Ediocaran and anthropocene -- poetry as a reader of deep time / Don McKay -- 2009: Re-discovering ancient springs : a consideration of metaphorical space / Marilyn Bowering -- 2010: Poetry and community / Anne Simpson -- 2011: Pristine and startled : ways of seeing / Glen Sorestad -- 2012: Coming (back) to poetry / Robert Currie -- Contributors -- Permissions, acknowledgements.