"This collection is a sampling of work by one of the most 
dynamic teachers of English ever to have graced this earth, a 
man of charm and intelligence and wit. From his earliest poetry 
to his latest, we see the evolution of this fine poet; we sample 
his scholarship, his touching serious fiction and children's 
tales, and his insightful newspaper columns; and finally, we see 
Robert Holland through his letters. The lives of hundreds of 
students were altered by the influence of this noblest of men, 
and for his contributions to education and literature, those of 
us touched by him should be so very grateful."—Paul Ruffin

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ROBERT HOLLAND taught for many years in the English
Department at Mississippi State University, serving as chair from
1961 until his death in 1969. During his tenure there he served as
editor of Mississippi Quarterly and also as chair of the Faculty 
Senate, which is now the Robert Holland Faculty Senate. He
was deeply involved in improving high school English programs,
and he developed teacher-training activities and a curriculum to 
introduce modern poetry into the public schools. He also 
established a black literature course at MSU and was committed 
to improving race relations on campus.