Carol Stream, Ill.—February 18, 2026—Tyndale House Ministries (@tyndalehouse) announces that Mark Taylor has retired after serving in leadership positions for 53 years. Speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors for Tyndale House Ministries (THM), Vice Chair Becky Wilson said, “It has been a remarkable privilege to serve alongside Mark Taylor. His steadfast leadership, deep biblical understanding, literary discernment, global vision, and generous spirit have left a lasting impact on Tyndale House Ministries and extended its influence around the world. The Board is deeply grateful for his faithful investment and enduring legacy.”

Taylor began working at Tyndale House when he was in sixth grade, sending out copies of Living Letters, a paraphrase of the New Testament epistles created by his father, Kenneth Taylor. Taylor shared, “I started working in the company after school each day, packing and shipping books to bookstores.” Eventually, Taylor’s father paraphrased the entire Bible, which became known as The Living Bible. Taylor continued to be involved in the operations of the company, and as a senior in high school, he worked alongside his father, providing editorial support for products being published at the time.

While attending Duke University, Taylor became involved with the work of Tyndale House Foundation, a charitable organization started in 1963 by Kenneth and Margaret Taylor, using the royalties from the sales of Living Letters and The Living Bible. After graduation from college, Taylor became Executive Director of Tyndale House Foundation in 1973, helping guide the distribution of grants that support Christian ministry and mission work around the world. In 1984, Taylor became President and CEO of Tyndale House Publishers.  He served as CEO from 1984 to 2021 and as Chairman of the Board from 2015 to 2026.

In addition to the many responsibilities of managing a successful publishing company, Taylor led the development of the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), serving as chief stylist and chairman of the Bible Translation Committee. Regarding his work at Tyndale House, Taylor shared, “Although there have been many highlights, the single most rewarding project of my career was my participation with the Bible Translation Committee for the NLT. It was a long, multiyear project, and I had the joy of guiding the committee through every step of creating this wonderfully dynamic translation. Sales of the NLT now exceed 69 million copies, and it is consistently the fourth-bestselling English translation in the US. In 2019, I orchestrated the merger of Tyndale House Publishers and Tyndale House Foundation to form the not-for-profit Tyndale House Ministries.”

Throughout his tenure at Tyndale House, Taylor has maintained a steadfast commitment to Tyndale’s mission and fostered an environment of professional excellence and integrity. He championed the publication of many successful and life-changing works such as the McGee and Me video series, the Left Behind series, the Life Application Study Bible, and many books by bestselling authors such as James Dobson and Francine Rivers. By the grace of God, the success of these and other products resulted in Tyndale’s growth to become one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world.

In addition to his leadership roles at Tyndale House, Taylor served on the Board of Directors of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association during the years 1993–1997 and again from 2000–2006 (serving as chairman 2003–2006).

The Taylor family’s legacy of generosity continues to guide the work of Tyndale House Ministries. Revenue from the publishing enterprise helps support ministries involved with Bible translation, Christian publishing, leadership development, theological education, and humanitarian aid.

“As I look to the future,” Taylor says, “I am excited about what lies ahead for Tyndale House Ministries. I believe the world needs Tyndale now more than ever, and Tyndale is ready to respond. We have a strong Board, an excellent executive team, and a wonderfully dedicated staff. Together they will continue to joyfully pursue our mission: ‘To minister to the spiritual needs of people, primarily through the publication of literature consistent with biblical principles and through grants to other charitable entities.’”

About Tyndale House Publishers
Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of annual revenue—more than $175 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Tyndale and Tyndale’s quill logo are registered and/or common law trademarks of Tyndale House Ministries in the USA and various other jurisdictions around the world. All rights reserved. See tyndale.com for a full list of trademarks owned by Tyndale House Ministries.

 

Leyland, England, UK – January 2026. 10Publishing, in partnership with Open the Bible, are thrilled to announce the signing of Colin Smith and Timothy Gregory for the graphic novel Heaven, How I Got Here, to be published for Easter 2027.

Developed from the book Heaven, How I Got Here (Christian Focus), the graphic novel will present the Christian message through the story of the dying thief in this visually engaging medium. The book is designed for wide use by individuals, churches, and ministries, offering a clear and gospel-focused introduction to the hope of heaven and the grace of God.

The project brings together Colin Smith’s clear and faithful Bible teaching with Timothy Gregory’s distinctive graphic storytelling, creating a format intended to reach readers who may not typically engage with traditional Christian books. With its strong narrative drive and thoughtful theological grounding, Heaven, How I Got Here is expected to serve both as a personal reading resource and as a tool for outreach, courses, and church-based evangelism.

Open The Bible is the Bible teaching ministry of Colin Smith. Open the Bible broadcasts daily and reaches millions of listeners each year.

10Publishing is the publishing house of 10ofthose.com. 10Publishing exists to proclaim the gospel through biblically faithful books and resources that help readers know Christ and live for him. Their authors include: Timothy Keller, Nancy Guthrie, Alistair Begg, Warren Wiersbe, and many more.

About the book:
Heaven, How I Got Here Graphic Novel
Author: Colin Smith and Timothy Gregory
Publisher: 10Publishing ISBN 9781909611641
Releasing for Easter 2027

In a cultural moment marked by spiritual deconstruction, doubt, and a growing hunger for authenticity, author, and creator Kendall Mariah launches her debut book today, THIS LITTLE FIRE OF MINE (Nelson Books/Thomas Nelson), offering a refreshing invitation to wrestle honestly with faith and rediscover what makes our faith burn bight. With a relatable and conversational voice, she invites readers to lean into the discomfort of doubt, deconstruction, and the messy middle of faith, reframing these struggles not as endings, but as the very fuel for transformation.

Drawing from her own experiences of being a high-achieving, rule-following kid to navigating an ADHD diagnosis, and the complex legacy of purity culture Kendall creates a safe space for those who feel their insides don’t quite match their outsides. She bravely dismantles the idea of a polished, “Hobby Lobby faith,” arguing that a genuine connection with God is often forged in the heat of our most challenging moments. This book is a much-needed conversation starter, engaging directly with the cultural tensions between authentic belief and performative “Christian culture,” including church hurt, legalism, and hypocrisy.

THIS LITTLE FIRE OF MINE isn’t about providing easy answers. Instead, it offers formative questions and practical exercises to help readers take a spiritual inventory, moving beyond inherited beliefs to build a foundation that is real, personal, and unshakable. It speaks directly to a generation feeling disconnected from traditional religious structures, offering reassurance that it’s okay for faith to feel heavy and that questioning is a vital part of spiritual growth.

This book is for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider in their own faith community, who has been told their questions are dangerous, or who is tired of pretending to have it all together.

Kendall’s vulnerable storytelling provides a powerful reminder that our “soul friction” is a guide, leading us toward a faith that is not only resilient but also bolder and brighter than ever before. It’s an invitation to find the hard-fought hallelujah in the midst of uncertainty and let your own little fire light the way.

About Author
Kendall Mariah is a lifestyle content creator, photographer, and brand strategist whose honest storytelling has cultivated a deeply connected online community. As a business owner, military spouse, and adoptive mom, she speaks authentically about the intersections of faith, identity, and everyday life. Her debut book, THIS LITTLE FIRE OF MINE, releases in February 2026.

About Nelson Books
Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, is an industry leader in Christian nonfiction publishing. Nelson Books publishes a diverse array of leaders, experts, and creatives, crafting biblically informed and spiritually fresh books from a Christian perspective that enliven, educate, and encourage readers. The Nelson Books roster of bestselling authors includes Max Lucado, Lysa TerKeurst, Tim Tebow, John Mark Comer, John & Stasi Eldredge, Jennie Allen, Jefferson Bethke, Bob Goff, Ruth Chou Simons, Tyler Staton, Jason Wilson, Christine Caine, Zach Windahl, and Carlos Whittaker.

On Sale February 17, 2026
Nelson Books/Thomas Nelson / ISBN: 9781400251674

Contact:  Devin Duke, Senior Publicity Manager, Devin.Duke@HarperCollins.com

“That’s What Heroes Do” teaches kids about the importance of everyday heroes

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 17, 2026) – Former U.S. Representative and current political commentator and New York Times bestselling author Adam Kinzinger announced today his first children’s book, That’s What Heroes Do (ISBN: 9781400252725), a heartfelt picture book designed to help young readers understand the true meaning of heroism, releasing May 5. Drawing from his own experiences in the Air Force, Kinzinger takes children on an imaginative journey across the United States to discover that heroes are all around.

The book shares the story of a young boy whose father flies him through the air to give a thirty-thousand-foot-view of the variety of heroes in his community and across the country making a difference every day. In addition to detailing heroes like servicemembers, first responders, and teachers, the book also highlights facts about organizations and groups lending a helping hand, including the Mayo Clinic, Chicago’s Tuskegee NEXT program, 911 dispatchers, prosthetics researchers, and more.

“During a time when empathy can feel optional and division is too often taking center stage, it’s important we pause to remember and honor the very best among us,” said Kinzinger. “The men and women who sacrificed everything in service to our country exemplify the highest ideals of courage and selflessness. As we approach Memorial Day, I’m honored to share a story that reflects the true meaning of heroism and reminds readers that our nation is lifted every day by those who believe in doing good.”

“We need to empower the next generation to understand they don’t have to wait to make a difference—service can start early. As a dad, it’s a privilege to give my son the tools to build an identity rooted in responsibility and compassion. I hope other parents find that just as meaningful,” added Kinzinger.

Featuring vibrant illustrations by Katie Melrose, That’s What Heroes Do is a perfect resource for educators, librarians, and parents for honoring holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran’s Day.

That’s What Heroes Do (ISBN: 9781400252725, ages 4–8) will be available May 5, 2026, everywhere books are sold. For more information, or to receive a review copy, contact Sarah Van Cleve, Publicity Manager, at sarah.vancleve@harpercollins.com

About Adam Kinzinger:  Adam Daniel Kinzinger is an American former politician and senior political commentator for CNN. He retired from the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after 20 years of service. During his military career, he flew missions in South America, Guam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His final overseas deployment was in Iraq, where he flew the RC-26, a surveillance aircraft. Kinzinger later served as a United States Representative from Illinois from 2011 to 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he initially represented Illinois’s 11th congressional district and later the 16th congressional district.

About Tommy Nelson:  Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson publishes a wide variety of high-quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson’s award-winning products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit www.tommynelson.com.

Media contact:
Sarah Van Cleve, Publicity Manager, (615) 902-1184, Sarah.VanCleve@harpercollins.com

Abilene, TX — Weariness and spiritual exhaustion are rampant.

Over the past two decades, Bob Chisholm has encountered Christians worldwide who feel burned out or stagnant in their faith. To help them, he began curating a remarkable collection of Christian writings from church fathers, devotionals, the writings of saints, and theologians.

Volume One of the Spiritual Journey series, Path of Divine Beginnings, offers a fresh curriculum based on spiritual classics to help you examine your life honestly. This unprecedented collection of Scriptures, key questions, prayers, hymns, and core readings is designed to enrich your daily quiet time and seamlessly integrate it into a stimulating small group discussion.

Join Bob as he guides you with these beautiful words from both ancient and modern sources. Get ready to be challenged to view your spiritual journey from a new perspective. Each week’s readings also include a hymn, sample prayers, and space for you to document your growth and the changes you plan to make.

“The Spiritual Journey series by Bob Chisholm is a significant offering. Bob has compiled a rich work; drawing from both classic and contemporary writings in Christian spirituality. Embedded within this weighty collection is an arrangement that ensures the reading will move from the head to the heart. The reader has at their disposal a liturgy for each week, readings centered around a topic of spiritual formation, and thoughtful questions on which to reflect on the given theme. I will certainly use this work myself and recommend it as a tool for those longing for a deeper relationship with God.”
—Dr. Jackie Halstead, CEO of Selah Center for Spiritual Formation, author of Leaning into God’s Embrace

Bob Chisholm serves as the minister of spiritual formation at Prestoncrest Church of Christ in Dallas. He conducts retreats and provides spiritual direction for individuals and groups in the US, Germany, Croatia, Cambodia, Singapore, Brazil, and Ghana.

Path of Divine Beginnings (Vol. 1)
By Bob Chisholm
February 2026, Softcover
256 Pages, $19.99
ISBN: 9781684264131

Media Contact:  Kaylin Graves, publicity@leafwoodpublishers.com

February 2026 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is thrilled to announce that four IVP titles have received 2026 Illumination Book Awards. The honored titles include Front Porch Wisdom, Charlie Can’t Sleep!, Abigail and the Waterfall, and Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World.

The Illumination Christian Book Awards celebrate the best new Christian books from both independent and traditional publishers. The awards recognize outstanding works that thoughtfully explore faith, Scripture, and spiritual themes in today’s world.

Front Porch Wisdom: Navigating Leadership Pressures and Barriers as a Woman of Color by Froswa’ Booker-Drew was named a 2026 Outstanding Book of the Year by the Illumination Book Awards. Front Porch Wisdom is a powerful guide for women of color navigating the complex landscapes of leadership. With wisdom accumulated from a lifetime of leadership and community engagement, Dr. Booker-Drew offers a safe and reflective space for thinking, learning, and growing as a leader.

“It was a tremendous joy to work with Froswa’ Booker-Drew on Front Porch Wisdom!” said Nilwona Nowlin, IVP’s associate trade editor. “Drawing from the well of her faith, business acumen, and lived experiences, Booker-Drew created a book that readers have described as a ‘balm.’ Yet it’s so much more. In a world where women of color continue to be simultaneously ignored and exploited, Booker-Drew reminds us that God sees us and that we are precious in God’s sight. This book is both a balm and a research-based, ‘pocket-sized’ leadership coach.”

Front Porch Wisdom is also an ECPA Top Shelf Book Cover Award winner.

Charlie Can’t Sleep! Trusting God When You’re Afraid of the Dark by Rachel Joy Welcher won a gold medal in the Christian Children’s Book category. Beautifully illustrated by Breezy Brookshire, this bedtime story not only acknowledges a child’s fear but also equips them with a comforting biblical approach to tackle it. Charlie Can’t Sleep! reassures little ones that even in the quiet, scary moments, God sees them, hears their prayers, and stays by their side.

Charlie Can’t Sleep! is also the recipient of a 2026 Independent Press Award and a 2025 Moonbeam Book Award.

Abigail and the Waterfall: Loving God’s Good Earth, written by parent and university professor Sandra L. Richter, won a silver medal in the Children’s Picture Book category. Brought to life with illustrations by Michael Corsini, this story follows Abigail and her family as they hike through the lush landscapes of Appalachia. On their adventure, Abigail encounters fascinating animals, marvels at a big, beautiful waterfall, and learns about caring for creation. Abigail and the Waterfall is an invitation for families to discuss what the Bible says about caring for the environment, animals, and the beautiful world around us.

Sandra L. Richter (PhD, Harvard University) is the Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College. She is best known in the church for The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament, the video courses that have grown from that project, and Stewards of Eden: What Scripture Says About the Environment and Why It Matters.

Abigail and the Waterfall is also an Independent Press Award winner.

Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World: God Hears Every Prayer, written by Helen Lee and illustrated by Shin Maeng, won a bronze medal in the Children’s Picture Book category. This book follows Kaylee and her grandfather, Halbi, as they read the morning newspaper. While reading they look for ways to pray for the children of the world. Featuring a Korean American family, this story gently guides children to recognize the brokenness in our world and to turn their hearts to God with the assurance that He hears every prayer—even when words feel hard to find.

Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World is also a SOLA Network’s 2025 Asian American Book Awards winner, a recipient of a 2025 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, and winner of a 2026 Independent Press Award.

For a complete list of IVP award winners visit ivpress.com/award-winners.

Contact:  Anna Tjernstrom, atjernstrom@ivpress.com

February 18, 2026 | Cindy Riggins, Owner and President of Riggins Rights Management (RRM), has been semi-retired for over a year.  During that time, Riggins Rights Management’s vice president, Mr. Jade Doyel, assumed responsibility for key aspects of the company’s management. Jade just celebrated his seventh year with the company. As Cindy considered full retirement, it was a priority to continue with someone experienced in rights management for our clients, licensing partners, and team, rather than to be acquired or managed by someone unfamiliar with the unique aspects of rights management in Christian publishing.

Jade expressed interest not only in the company’s complete management but also in ownership.  It became evident that this was the best option to ensure a smooth business transition.  The team was advised of the offer in December, and all team members reiterated their commitment to stay and serve our clients and publishing partners.

In January, we began transition planning.  RRM also began notifying our clients in confidence.  The client response has been extremely supportive of the transition.  They appreciate that the company will continue with the same team and services.

Our proprietary rights management system will continue to be utilized, target cross-media marketing, event attendance, and licensing management will continue as usual.

The ownership change will result in a name change to Petradi International Rights Services d/b/a Petradi Rights Management. Petradi comes from the Greek root word for rock, “Petra”, and Petradi means a small stone, or more aptly, a “gemstone”.

The new company ownership will be official as of April 1, 2025.  Cindy Riggins will officially retire and become a board member of Petradi.  She will be available for consultation and work a few hours a week to ensure a smooth business transition for at least the remainder of the year.

ABOUT RIGGINS RIGHTS MANAGEMENT
Riggins Rights Management has served as the rights department for Christian organizations and publishers since 2003. We have issued almost 10,000 licensing agreements in 75 languages, resulting in at least 12 million copies being published and more than 20 million lives impacted worldwide. In 2017, we began adding Indigenous rights managers with publishing experience to key regions worldwide. Our in-territory rights managers are unique to Christian publishing.

ABOUT JADE DOYEL
Jade began his publishing journey in Korea, where he worked to acquire English-language titles for translation and publication. Having also worked in China and Spain, his international experience, coupled with a passion for bringing faith-based literature across borders, has shaped his career in rights management for over two decades. His educational credentials include a BA from Iowa State University and an MS in Intellectual Property Law from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois. Jade has worked at Riggins Rights Management for seven years.  He will now become President and Owner, Petradi International Rights Services, Inc. (formerly Riggins Rights Management).

February 2026 | WESTMONT, IL—Outreach magazine has named three IVP titles 2026 Resources of the Year. The honored books include Remissioning Church by Josh Hayden, Nailing It by Nicole Massie Martin, and Global Christianity and Islam by Wafik W. Wahba. Now in its twenty-third year, the 2026 Outreach Resources of the Year honors the past year’s best books that emphasize outreach-oriented ideas that churches and organizations of all sizes can use.

Church 2026 Resources of the Year

Remissioning Church: A Field Guide to Bringing a Congregation Back to Life was one of two Resources of the Year in the Church category. This title was also recently named the 2025 Englewood Review of Books Readers’ Best Award Winner.

For church leaders longing to bring their declining churches back from the brink, Remissioning Church outlines the path of inside-out transformation through discipleship while focusing on serving your neighbors and the world.

“Here’s the book that is needed by about 90 percent of all churches and 100 percent of all clergy in North America,” said Will Willimon, professor of the practice of Christian ministry at Duke Divinity School. “Josh Hayden’s book is an enthusiastic invitation to today’s congregations to refit themselves for vital participation in Christ’s mission. Practical, proven, biblical, and very wise, Remissioning Church is destined to help scores of churches find their way into the future.”

Leadership and Calling 2026 Resources of the Year

One of two honored titles in this category, Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender challenges leaders of all ages to crucify their ministry idols and nail outdated leadership practices to the cross. Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin walks through seven areas of traditional leadership that need to be reframed: power, ego, speed, performance, perfection, loyalty, and scale.

“We desperately need new models of leadership, ones grounded in the humanity and flourishing that Jesus invites us into. Nicole Massie Martin offers just that in Nailing It, rejecting abuses of power and toxic egos in favor of collaboration and mutuality,” said Sandra Maria Van Opstal, author, pastor, and executive director of Chasing Justice. “With experience leading in corporate, nonprofit, and church settings, Nicole brings her invaluable wisdom at a much-needed moment for today’s leaders. This book is a powerful call to rethink leadership for a more just and thriving future.”

Missions and Cross-Cultural 2026 Resource of the Year

Global Christianity and Islam: Exploring History, Politics, and Beliefs provides a comprehensive overview of Christianity and Islam. Wafik W. Wahba highlights key points of similarity and difference and particular factors that contributed to divergence between the Western world and the Muslim world. Exploring the various narratives that have shaped both Christianity and Islam, he argues, is crucial to understanding current trends in Christian-Muslim interactions and their impact on future relations between the two communities globally.

Kenneth R. Ross, professor of theology and dean of postgraduate studies at Zomba Theological University in Malawi, said, “In our fragmented and polarized world, mutual respect and understanding between Muslims and Christians are more important than ever. To navigate the terrain where they encounter one another, you could not hope for a more trustworthy interpreter than Wafik Wahba. Fair, balanced, sympathetic, patient, irenic, concise, and clear—this is an indispensable guide for all who travel the frontiers of Christian-Muslim relations.”

The Outreach Resources of the Year aims to highlight valuable resources for church leaders and bring deserved attention to tools that can help churches better engage in effective outreach to share the gospel and reach their communities for Christ.

For a complete list of IVP award-winning titles, visit ivpress.com/award-winners.

Contact:  Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com

NASHVILLE, TN (February 18, 2026) – HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) today announced that five of its titles have been selected as2026 Resources of the Year by Outreach magazine. An additional title was also recognized as a recommended resource.

Step Into a Captivating Poetic Conversation with Beloved Christian Poets that Spans Centuries

Orleans, MA – February 19, 2026 – The Role of the Moon by D.S. Martin has been awarded a Gold Medal in the 2026 Illumination Christian Book Awards in the “Poetry” category.

As the world experiences a renewed interest in poetry as a source of solace and reflection, award-winning poet D.S. Martin offers The Role of the Moon—a striking new collection that revives the depth and beauty of metaphysical poetry for today’s readers. This collection draws from the timeless themes of faith, loss, transcendence, and renewal, engaging in a vivid dialogue with literary giants such as John Donne, George Herbert, and Gerard Manley Hopkins.

In an era marked by uncertainty and spiritual searching, The Role of the Moon provides a literary sanctuary—offering thought-provoking verse that echoes both the struggles and aspirations of the modern soul. The book arrives at a time when contemporary poetry, particularly works exploring faith and existential meaning, is experiencing a surge in readership. Amidst this revival, Martin’s work uniquely bridges past and present, reinterpreting the traditions of Milton, Shakespeare, and Dickinson, and many others through fresh, evocative language. A “new metaphysical” voice emerges, connecting the past to the present with wit, poignancy, and striking originality.

Sydney Lea, former Vermont Poet Laureate (2011–2015), praises the collection as “a moving homage to the Metaphysicals, using metaphor as they did to grapple with supernal truths.”

Likewise, Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury (2002–2012), calls it “a formidable achievement” in its profound conversation with John Donne and his legacy.

About the Poet

D.S. Martin is a Canadian poet, Series Editor for the Poiema Poetry Series, and Poet-in-Residence at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario. The most recent of his previous poetry books are Angelicus (2021) and Ampersand (2018). ISBN: 9798893480177 |On Sale 10.14.2025 | 5.5 x 8.5 | 128 pp. | Paperback | $21.00

Praise for The Role of the Moon

“The Role of the Moon comprises D.S. Martin’s moving homage to the Metaphysicals, using metaphor as they did to grapple with supernal truths. Almost arbitrarily, I’d call especial attention to “Prayer,” the uncanny opening poem of its fourth section, because the sequence synopsizes so much of what this luminous collection offers: it is at once humble and ambitious, vernacular and high-rhetorical. Most importantly, like the book at large, it epitomizes the example the poet means to follow. In a headnote he writes of the Metaphysicals that, because they “were deeply dedicated to their Christian faith … much of their poetry expresses their wrestlings with God, and with their own weaknesses.” Few beside Martin himself could, without the least pretension, undertake to emulate such grand predecessors. We readers are blessed that Martin did.” Sydney Lea, Vermont Poet Laureate (2011—2015) 

“Don Martin writes as always with an impressive blend of unobtrusive technical skill and a wonderfully innovative imagination. But the most distinctive gift of this collection is the sustained conversation with John Donne and the tradition he represents, producing a series of witty, poignant, searching interactions that bear many re-readings. A formidable achievement.” Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury (2002—2012)

“D. S. Martin’s The Role of the Moon is a conversation with the tradition of English-language Christian poetry—a strikingly creative one, because many are the books that play off of earlier poets, but few are those that, as here, achieve real originality and relevance. In vivid dialogue with Thomas Traherne, Gerard Hopkins, Christina Rossetti, Emily Dickinson, and many others, above all John Donne, Martin engages them in our world. Notable for agilely shifting tones, phrase-making ability, and an inventive combination of freedom and formality, these are alert and profound, memorable, often quotable poems. For instance, “New Life” is spurred by “The Windhover” (and also “God’s Grandeur” and “Spring” and even “No worst, there is none”) to say this: “Try your best to imagine the worst…/…the doom & dust passes, the fireweed / blueberries & grasses thrive   the hopeless vacuum fills / with new desire…” And so for Martin, along with Hopkins, ‘there lives the dearest freshness deep down things.’ A. F. Moritz, Griffin Poetry Prize Winner

Media Contact:  Danielle Bushnell, danielleb@paracletepress.com