“Burning Wyclif” Brings Light to Life and Death

One man's poems explore the human fascination with mortality by telling the story of another man's life.

TTU Press

Thom Satterlee

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Some think of John Wyclif as a great philosopher and theologian. Others view him as a heretic of the Catholic Church. “Burning Wyclif,” published by Texas Tech University Press, is the story of his life and death deftly put to paper in a series of poems by Thom Satterlee.  

This deeply passionate collection gives a personal view into the life of a man seeking truth. Not only does the poet bring to life the trials of Wyclif, but he tells his own trials of desire, hardship, and contemplation of one’s purpose.

Though dark at times, this book brings insight into the journey each of us takes through life and death.  This evocative book brings an intimate view into the life of John Wyclif and makes us take a look into ourselves to seek our own truth.

The book is a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Award in Poetry, has been named a 2007 ALA Notable Book and has won the Walt McDonald First-Book Prize in Poetry.

Satterlee visited the Texas Tech campus last month for a reading and spoke about why he chose his subject.

Satterlee is currently an assistant professor of English at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. His poetry has appeared in several publications including Alaska Quarterly, Image, and Southwest Review.  

 For more information about “Burning Wyclif,” visit the Texas Tech University Press Web site.