In its Vol. 77, No. 1 issue, New Letters – the University of Missouri-Kansas City‘s (UMKC) international magazine of writing and art asks readers to consider the permanence of literature.

“Birds might be fleeting; life might be fleeting,” said New Letters editor Robert Stewart. “Great literature, however, stays around a while.”

The issue features essayist Raad ABDUL-AZIZ writing about his experience being held captive in Iraq, acclaimed Chinese author Jia Pingwa’s novella on provincial Chinese life, Thomas E. Kennedy’s poems displayed in cigarillo tins, Richard Carr’s review of a book about new styles of poetry and several other works. Artist Peregrine Honig’s bird paintings continue the bird theme from Roi J. Tamkin’s cover photograph.

The new issue runs 168 pages and encourages people to slow down and savor the works of literature.

Subscriptions are available for $22 per year (four issues), with discounts for longer subscriptions. To order, call (816) 235-1168 or visit www.newletters.org.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience. For more information about UMKC, visit http://www.umkc.edu/. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.