ELEANOR WILNER (born 1937) is an acclaimed American poet known for her eloquent blending of myth, history, and contemporary themes. She earned her Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University, where she focused on literature, and has since become a highly respected voice in American poetry. Wilner’s work often explores themes of collective memory, transformation, and the human experience, particularly emphasizing the ways mythology and history inform the present.

Her poetry collections include Shekhinah (1984), Sarah’s Choice (1989), Otherwise (1993), Reversing the Spell (1998), The Girl with Bees in Her Hair (2004), and Tourist in Hell (2010), which showcase her distinctive style of rich imagery and philosophical depth. She has received numerous awards and honors, including the MacArthur Fellowship, the Robert Frost Medal, and the Juniper Prize.

In addition to her poetry, Wilner has also been a dedicated teacher and mentor, serving on the faculty of the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College. She remains an influential literary figure, known for her intellectual rigor and deep compassion for the world around her.