"This book is the result of a convergence, which began with the passion of a young writer, Jonathan Safran Foer, for the work of the 20th century American assemblage artist Joseph Cornell. Inspired by Cornell's avian-themed boxes, and suspecting that they would be similarly (and diversely) inspiring to others, Foer began to write letters. The responses he received from luminaries of American writing were nothing short of astounding. From Joyce Carol Oates to Robert Pinsky, Rick Moody to Lydia Davis to Howard Norman, twenty writers have generously contributed original pieces of prose and poetry that are as eclectic as they are imaginative. Accompanied by tipped-on plates, this volume is a soaring tribute - not only to the work of Joseph Cornell, but also to the spirit of creation."--BOOK JACKET.