A Very Brief History

Since its foundation in 1969 by Editor William Packard, the New York Quarterly has been devoted to excellence in the publication of a most eclectic cross-section of contemporary American poetry. Our only concern has been to focus on the craft and technique that underlies any and all effective poetry writing.

With the death of William Packard in November 2002, Raymond Hammond honored William Packard's written intentions by assuming the role of Editor-in-Chief. The magazine continues on course, constantly striving to maintain the high bar of editorial voice established by William Packard.

During these more than forty years, our NYQ Craft Interviews have presented the views of some of contemporary poetry's most outstanding poets on the general subjects of style and prosody and technique. And while our NYQ editorials have ranged over many important, and often controversial, areas that are important to contemporary American poetry, they are always grounded in the never-ending pursuit of the pure process of poetry writing.

Our "State of Contemporary Poetry" series of essays continues to examine contemporary poetry from all angles that are important to readers and writers alike. And, of course, the most important single feature in any NYQ issue is the poetry itself.