One of American's most celebrated poets, Billy Collins' illustrious career boasts numerous collections, awards and honors. The New York City native was born William James Collins to parents who inculcated in him a love for literature. He completed his education at the College of Holy Cross and the University of California, Riverside; the latter introduced him to the works of Howard Nemerov, Karl Shapiro and Reed Whittemore. Collins' most notable works include The Apple That Astonished Paris, The Art of Drowning and Questions About Angels. His contribution towards the enrichment of American literature has earned him numerous awards and honors, some of which are the Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize, American Irish Historical Society Cultural Award, Norman Mailer Prize for Poetry, and American Academy of Arts and Letters. He served as the Poet Laureate of the United States from 2001-03.
