Benjamin Lerner Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Ben Lerner, born in Topeka, Kansas, in 1979, is a distinguished American poet, novelist, essayist, and critic. He completed his undergraduate studies in political science and earned an MFA in creative writing from Brown University. During his time at Brown, he studied under poet C.D. Wright, who significantly influenced his literary development. Lerner's literary career began with poetry, leading to the publication of three notable collections: The Lichtenberg Figures (2004), Angle of Yaw (2006), and Mean Free Path (2010). The Lichtenberg Figures, a cycle of 52 sonnets, received the Hayden Carruth Award and was recognized by Library Journal as one of the year's best poetry books. Angle of Yaw was a finalist for the National Book Award, showcasing Lerner's innovative approach to language and form. Transitioning to prose, Lerner authored Leaving the Atocha Station (2011), a novel that garnered the Believer Book Award and was praised by publications such as The New Yorker and The Guardian. His subsequent novels, 10:04 (2014) and The Topeka School (2019), further established his reputation, with The Topeka School being named one of The New York Times Book Review's ten best books of the year. In 2023, he returned to poetry with the publication of The Lights, a collection that blends verse and prose poems. Lerner's contributions to literature have been recognized with numerous accolades, including fellowships from the Fulbright, Guggenheim, and MacArthur Foundations. In 2015, he was awarded the MacArthur "Genius" Grant for his ability to transcend conventional distinctions of genre and style. His essays and criticism have appeared in esteemed publications such as Harper's Magazine, the London Review of Books, and The New Yorker. In addition to his writing, Lerner is dedicated to education. He joined the faculty of Brooklyn College in 2010 and was appointed Distinguished Professor of English in 2016. Through his teaching and mentorship, he continues to influence and inspire the next generation of writers and thinkers.