These essays span the period of Kroetsch's writing. Included are essays that cover (some of) his novels, (some of) his poetry, and even (some of) his critical writing. The contributors include writers who knew Kroetsch well and those who only met him on the page; critics at the beginning of their careers and those well established in the Canadian literary field, men and women, writers and poets and critics and damn fine thinkers. Among the contributors: Ann Mandel, George Bowering, Catherine Bates, Gary Geddes, and Aritha van Herk.

Nicole Markoti? is a novelist, critic, and poet. Her books include: Scrapbook of My Years as a Zealot, Bent at the Spine, and Whelmed. She is Professor of English Literature, Creative Writing, and Canadian Literature at the University of Windsor.