It's important that America recognizes its own great artists while they're still alive.

Jazz may well be considered America's most treasured and most influential export, ... From its earliest days until now it has continued to grow creatively -- yet the people who have given us this art form deserve far greater recognition.

Over the past half century, as American poetry's specialist audience has steadily expanded, its general readership has declined. Even if great poetry continues to be written, it has retreated from the center of literary life. Though supported by a loyal coterie, poetry has lost the confidence that it speaks to and for the general culture.

America can no longer take active and engaged literacy for granted.

We felt that Random House had a deep commitment to the book.

Reading is declining in every age group, cultural group, every region and income level. Unless something is done, we will continue to see those declines.