Author guide
Rufus Goodwin Books in Order
Rufus Goodwin (1935–2005) was an American poet, novelist, journalist, and nonfiction writer. Educated at Yale University and Georgetown University, he worked as a foreign and Vatican correspondent and was conversant in several languages. His published work includes poetry collections, novels, illustrated works, spiritual and religious nonfiction, and a book on dreams. He lived and wrote in Boston.
Catalog record updated .
Outside the series
Bibliography by category
Novels (12)
- Give Us This Day: The Story of Prayer
nonfiction · 1999
- North Flame
novel · 2000
- Valentine for a Waitress
novel · 2000
- Soul Street
novel · 2001
- Poet's Novel
novel · 2002
- Mr. President Roman
novel · 2003
- Sinai Option
novel · 2003
- Blue Guitar
novel · 2004
- Dreamlife: How Dreams Happen
nonfiction · 2004
- Who Killed the Holy Ghost?: A Journalist Reports on the Holy Spirit
nonfiction · 2005
- The Stove Project Manual: Planning and Implementation
nonfiction · 1985
- Tear in Time's Eye
novel
Poetry (2)
- Minor Voice Among Megalith, Lost Violin, and Other Poems
poetry collection · 1990
- Poems from 42nd Street
poetry collection · 2000
Other (5)
- Souvenirs of a Century: Magical Realism by an American Original and Son
illustrated work · 2000
- To Have a Dream
book · 2005
- The Open Drawer
book
- Ocean Reporter
book
Frequently asked questions about Rufus Goodwin
Who was Rufus Goodwin?
Rufus Goodwin was an American poet, novelist, journalist, and nonfiction writer. He was born in New York City and died in 2005.
Source: legacy.com (opens in a new tab)
Where did Rufus Goodwin study, and what was his journalism career?
He graduated from Yale University and earned an advanced degree in linguistics from Georgetown University. He worked as a United Press International foreign correspondent, including a Vatican assignment, and later became a freelance writer in Switzerland and England.
Sources: legacy.com (opens in a new tab)rudolfsteinerbookstore.com (opens in a new tab)
What influenced Rufus Goodwin’s writing?
His international reporting, Vatican work, and experience in Boston’s street-poetry and homeless-newspaper scene informed his writing. Religious and spiritual inquiry also became important subjects in his nonfiction.
Sources: legacy.com (opens in a new tab)barcelonareview.com (opens in a new tab)rudolfsteinerbookstore.com (opens in a new tab)
Did Rufus Goodwin work in translation and other arts?
Yes. He translated Alda Merini’s Italian poetry into English and also wrote opera and plays, collaborating with composer Stephen Scotti on works performed in New York, Boston, and Martha’s Vineyard.
Sources: books.google.com (opens in a new tab)legacy.com (opens in a new tab)
What is Rufus Goodwin’s literary legacy?
Goodwin left a cross-genre body of writing whose poetry was noted by James Tate, John Updike, and Mark Strand. His collaborations and participation in Boston-area poetry communities also helped connect literary work with performance and street culture.
Sources: legacy.com (opens in a new tab)authorsden.com (opens in a new tab)