Remembering Ed Wilson

It is with great sadness that Wake Forest University Press notes the passing of Edwin G. Wilson, longtime English professor and Provost, lifetime advocate of the university, and the original benefactor of Wake Forest University Press.

Learn more about Ed Wilson’s life and legacy.

From Jefferson Holdridge, Director, WFU Press

My personal acquaintance with Ed began in 2002 during the interview process for my role as Director of the Press and English professor. Over brunch at Midtown Café and Dessertery in Winston, I found myself drawn to his warmth, kindness, and evident passion for poetry, particularly Irish poetry—a genre close to our hearts at WFUP. His support and encouragement were instrumental in my decision to accept the position.

In 2015, in his mid-80s, Ed graciously inaugurated our new premises on Reynolda Road with a captivating speech, delivered without notes, showcasing his legendary oratory skills. His ability to weave the history of the Press and his personal connection to it left an indelible impression on all who were present. I remember setting aside my written notes to follow him to the podium, a gesture I will continue as long as I walk this path.

Ed, we miss you dearly, but your legacy will endure through the countless lives you’ve touched and the imprint you’ve left on Wake Forest University Press.

From Candide Jones, Retired Assistant Director, WFU Press

Ed Wilson taught me how to read poetry.

I met him my sophomore year when I enrolled in his Blake, Yeats, and Thomas course. The darkening green, the rough beast slouching towards Bethlehem, the rage against the dying light….

I fell in love with him that year, and there I remain.

Junior year brought the magic of his Romantics class. Daffodils, the albatross, Don Juan, the shattered Ozymandias, and then … entering class one spring day, I was astounded at all the students not in our class sitting in extra seats, on the sills of open windows, some cross-legged on the floor.

It was the first day of Keats. Former students had come back to hear that introductory lecture. At the end, we all sat, silent. The bell rang. No one moved. It was a tour de force that remains the most magical, important lecture of my college career. Joy’s grape bursting against the palate, the holy colors of St. Agnes’s-stained glass windows, the ecstasy of the nightingale’s song … a sensuous symphony of pure magic.

Imagine then, decades later, finding myself managing Wake Forest Press, and engaging again with its father and co-founder, greatest advocate, protector, and tireless supporter. A second beautiful chapter with Ed Wilson, who was brilliant, kind and graceful, both powerful and humble, and a true lover of poetry.

A genuine, profoundly good man who made such a difference in so many lives.

He made the world a much better place and made everyone who knew him better people in some way.

Professor, mentor, colleague, and friend. Edwin G. Wilson:  When they made you, sir, they broke the mold.

Forever in my heart.

From Amanda Keith, former Press Manager

I’ll always remember his kindness, his complete presence when you talked with him, and the way poetry seemed to be in him so deeply that it was part of his vernacular. Early in my time at Wake Forest, he invited me to his office so we could chat and get to know one another. He told me stories about the early days of the Press, recited poetry, and made me feel so welcome. He was a true class act.

From Alex Muller, current Press Manager

Although I never got the chance to know Ed Wilson like many others, I still feel incredibly grateful for the few times we crossed paths. One time, Ed and Emily stopped by our office for some late Christmas shopping. Another time, shortly before his 100th birthday, I saw Ed front and center at a poetry reading on campus. I couldn’t believe it. As folks came in and found their seats, many of them stopped by to shake Ed’s hand, to give him a hug. Any time I attend a poetry reading now, I feel he is there. He is certainly still with us in the work that we do.