A famous poet and writer, who once livd very close to the Bucks County area, is remembered for what he did for the art of modern poetry. Hillel Italie wrote about the poet for the Los Angeles Times.

Gerald Stern, one of the most acclaimed poets of the 21st century, passed away on Oct. 27 at the age of 97. The first poet laureate of the state of New Jersey, Stern resided in Lambertville, right across the vier form New Hope, for many years while he wrote his works and taught at various colleges, including Temple University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Raritan Valley Community College, and Sarah Lawrence College.

“The institution subtly and insidiously works on you in such a way that though you seem to have freedom you become a servant,” he told an online publication in 2010. “Your main issue is to get promoted to the next thing. Or get invited to a picnic. Or get tenure. Or get laid.”

Remembered for his wit, memorable prose, and observant eye on America, Stern will be remembered as one of the most important literary figures of recent history.

Read more about Stern’s life and achievements in the Los Angeles Times.