"Reading Mark Strand "is a thorough reading and critical assessment of the key developments in the career of one of America's most important living poets. Geared toward readers and teachers of modern poetry, this study is attentive to the uniquely Strandian poetics; yet in charting the progression of one poetic career, it provides a methodology for assessing others. It meticulously examines Strand's evolution, paying particular attention to the later developments in the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet's corpus. While espousing phenomenological ideals, Nicosia elucidates the vital elements of the Strand poem, defines the poet's vision and addresses the poet's overarching concern: "What can a poem do?"