Jonathan Galassi declares himself gay in "Left-handed," a book of poetry

In a new book of poems, high-ranking editor Jonathan Galassi ’71 alludes to his homosexuality.

In Left-handed, a book of poetry that is forthcoming in more ways than one, Jonathan Galassi ’71, president and publisher of Farrar, Straus and Giroux, finds a poetic voice for long-buried homosexual feelings. Galassi was for many years editor-in-chief at the distinguished publishing house. His new book will be published in March by Alfred A. Knopf/Random House.

In a searching profile in the New York Times, Charles McGrath, a former editor of the New York Times Book Review, explores Galassi's many-faceted career and his divorce after 36 years of marriage to Susan Grace Galassi, as well as Galassi's love relations with men in recent years. The Times also published three poems from the book.

For more about Galassi, read “High Type Culture,” a profile from Harvard Magazine’s archives.

You might also like

The Celts in Art and Imagination

A new exhibition at the Harvard Art Museums traces 2,500 years of Celtic art.

Conan O’Brien Named Harvard’s 2026 Commencement Speaker

The comedian, host, and 1985 graduate will deliver remarks at the May 28 ceremony. 

Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Honors Rose Byrne

The Bridesmaids actress celebrated her 2026 Woman of the Year Award with a roast and a parade.

Most popular

Martin Nowak Placed on Leave a Second Time

Further links to Jeffrey Epstein surface in newly released files.

Is Copyright Law the Wrong Weapon Against AI?

Harvard law professor Rebecca Tushnet explains how “fair use” applies to LLMs.

Kennedy School Commencement Address

Speech as delivered by Nicholas Kristof at Class Day for the Kennedy School of Government Commencement...

Explore More From Current Issue

Modern campus collage: Rubenstein Treehouse Conference Center, One Milestone labs, Verra apartment, and co-working space.

The Enterprise Research Campus in Allston Nears Completion

A hotel, restaurants, and other retail establishments are open or on the way.

Firefighters battling flames at a red building, surrounded by smoke and onlookers.

Yesterday’s News

How a book on fighting the “Devill World” survived Harvard’s historic fire.

Older man in a green sweater holds a postcard in a warmly decorated office.

How a Harvard Hockey Legend Became a Needlepoint Artist

Joe Bertagna’s retirement project recreates figures from Boston sports history.