SOURCE: Sullivan, Nancy. “Power as Virtue: The Achievement of Josephine Jacobsen.” Hollins Critic 22, no. 2 (April 1985): 1-10.

In the following excerpt, Sullivan evaluates the technique, themes, and vision of Jacobsen's poetry, citing her work as demonstrating a “persistent and humane power.”

The energy and quality of Josephine Jacobsen's work in poetry, fiction, and criticism, as well as her public service on behalf of poetry, are remarkable. She has dedicated years of her long life and enduring talent both to her own writing and to the cause of literature. Josephine Jacobsen has always demanded a high standard of excellence of herself and has rejoiced in discovering the skill and insights of other writers. She is a “woman of letters” in the purest and best sense; and the range of her work, particularly in poetry, is singular and wonderful. I trust that my discussion of a few representative works will suggest...