Erin Murphy, professor of English at Penn State Altoona, participated in a book launch event for “Birdbrains: A Lyrical Guide to Washington State Birds.” The book includes Murphy’s poem, “Flying Under the Influence in Issaquah: A Cento.”
ALTOONA, Pa. — Erin Murphy, professor of English at Penn State Altoona, has signed a contract for the publication of a volume of new and selected poetry.
“Swoon: New and Selected Poems,” Murphy’s 16th book, will be published in spring 2026 by Grayson Books. The volume features selections from her 10 previous poetry collections, along with a section of new demi-sonnets, a form she invented.
Praising Murphy’s “long and distinguished career,” poet Jim Daniels said, “Reading this collection will make you feel like you just had a long conversation with one of your best friends, and one of our finest poets,” adding that the award-winning poems “surprise and delight across an impressive range of forms and subjects.”
