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More than 250 people enjoyed an enchanting evening October 16 with renowned poet Robert Bly, who read from his latest collection of poetry, “Stealing Sugar from the Castle,” at an event, sponsored by the University of Minnesota Libraries.

Laurie Hertzel, books editor at the Star Tribune, wrote about the evening: “Robert Bly is old now, and a wee bit forgetful, but he still knows how to put on a show, and he still comes deeply alive for poetry.”

The final poem of the 25 he read was met with an extended round of applause, which he appreciated. “It’s good of you to clap,” he said. “It makes an old Norwegian happy.”

“Stealing Sugar from the Castle” represents the culmination of Bly’s astonishing career. He won the National Book Award in 1968 for his second collection, “The Light Around the Body.” Earlier this year, Bly received the Poetry Society of America’s highest honor, the Frost Medal. His latest book contains new and selected poems spanning 50 years.

Robert Bly’s papers are held in the Upper Midwest Literary Archives at the University of Minnesota Libraries. They are available for the public to view by appointment.