A literary organization on campus, Caxton Club brings a number of high-profile poets, novelists, and essayists to campus every term to read their works in a setting open to all members of the community. The club is named after the first English printer, William Caxton.
Working closely with the English Department, Caxton Club is student-run and, with Q & A sessions after most readings, encourages literary discourse on the Knox campus.
Recent readers
- Peter Orner, author of several novels, nonfiction books, and books of short stories—most recently Maggie Brown and Others.
- Ross Gay, author of several books of poetry and the nonfiction book The Book of Delights.
- Adrian Matejka, author of several books of poetry including Map to the Stars and poet laureate of Indiana 2018-2019.
- Marilynne Robinson, author of the novels Housekeeping, Gilead, Home, and Lila, as well as several books of essays. She teaches at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop.
- Rita Dove, author of several books of poetry including Mother Love and American Smooth, recipient of many awards including the 2011 National Medal of the Arts, presented by Barack Obama.
- Kwame Dawes, author of 15 volumes of poetry, two novels, a memoir, and the book, Bob Marley: Lyrical Genius. Dawes is also an Emmy Award Winner.
- Marianne Boruch, author of several books of poetry, including Grace, Fallen from, Ghost and Oar, and A Stick that Breaks and Breaks.
- Silas House, author of novels including Southernmost, The Coal Tattoo, Eli the Good, and the nonfiction book Something's Rising about mountaintop removal in Appalachia.
- Alan Michael Parker, author of several books of poetry, including Elephants and Butterflies, Love Song with Motor Vehicles, and The Vandals.
- Ray Gonzalez, author of several books of poetry, including Consideration of the Guitar: New and Selected Poems and The Hawk Temple at Tierra Grande.
Caxton Club also sponsors readings by visiting and current professors, providing an opportunity for them to share their work.
Caxton Club readings are among the most popular literary events hosted regularly on campus, and all are welcome and encouraged to attend.
