Comparing Manuscripts from Book of My Nights

This section presents five different versions of manuscripts for Book of My Nights in chronological order. While the editions share similarities, seeing the manuscripts side by side offers a comprehensive look at how a collection develops and the efforts that go into such. Brief commentary is provided on the pieces to offer context and thoughts that arose while going through BOA's archives.

The majority of notes and edits in these manuscripts are written by former BOA editor Thom Ward who worked closely with Li-Young Lee on Rose, The City in Which I Love You, and Book of My Nights. Ward worked at BOA for 15 years and edited more than 80 collections of poetry, including three books by Lucille Clifton.