A poetry collection published by Lamar University Literary Press, won the Texas Philosophical Society Poetry Award for 2018.

The book, “Past Purgatory, a Distant Paradise,” by Dan Williams, a professor at Texas Christian University, is a collection of classical lyrics that are a combination of narrative, dramatic and humorous poems set in exotic places.

“We were excited the book won the award; it’s a great recognition for us,” said Katherine Hoerth, assistant professor, English and Modern Languages and editor-in-chief, Lamar University Literary Press. “We’re really proud of Dan and his position in the Texas poetry scene and honored to publish his book.”

The Philosophical Society of Texas announced its annual book prizes for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry during the society’s annual meeting held Feb. 15–17, 2019, in Dallas. Each award carries a $2,500 prize for the author. Fiction and nonfiction books published in 2018, as well as volumes of poetry, are submitted each year to the society’s book prize committees. Nonfiction submissions must relate to Texas; fiction and poetry eligibility depends on the author’s current or past Texas residency.