James Tate, born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1943, was an American poet whose work earned him the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. With a BA from Kansas State College and an MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop, Tate's poetry is known for its unique blend of narrative and linguistic freedom. His collections, such as "Selected Poems" and "Return to the City of White Donkeys," showcase his humanistic perspective and imaginative storytelling. Tate's poems often present a situation or organizing principle, inviting readers into a world of mystery and wonder, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. His work is a testament to his keen observation of life and his ability to transform the mundane into the magical.