Katha Pollitt, born in 1949 in New York City, is a distinguished American poet and essayist whose work is celebrated for its incisive feminist critique and poetic craftsmanship. Her debut poetry collection, Antarctic Traveller (1982), earned her the National Book Critics Circle Award, drawing attention for its vivid imagery and intellectual engagement with themes of human emotion and philosophical contemplation. Critics like Joel Conarroe have praised her sound use of language and rhythmic maturity, while the Virginia Quarterly Review notes her ability to balance the everyday with the unfamiliar, crafting rich, imaginative landscapes. Richard Howard, in his own review, commends her exploration of alternative realities and transformation, and Jay Parini and Dana Gioia highlight the clarity and emotional resonance she captures in both urban and pastoral settings.

Beyond her poetry, Pollitt is noted for her compelling feminist essays, especially those in Reasonable Creatures (1994), which confront conventional gender ideologies and advocate for equality. Her essays often tackle political and social issues, such as the "Baby M" case and the William Kennedy Smith rape trial, combining personal insights with wider societal critiques. As noted by Susan Shapiro, her work is characterized by wit and a commitment to social justice, although it sometimes faces criticism for statistical inaccuracies. Pollitt's incisive critique of both conservative and liberal feminist thinkers, including Germaine Greer and Carol Gilligan, is lauded by Rickie Solinger for its accessibility and depth.

While some, such as Kirsty Milne, argue that Pollitt's focus on events from the 1980s and 1990s may limit the relatability of her essays for younger readers, her impact on feminist discourse remains significant. Boyd Zenner describes Pollitt as "one of the most incisive, principled, and articulate cultural critics writing today." Her poetry continues to be a subject of considerable interest, noted for its balance of aesthetic beauty and profound emotional insight, as highlighted by Roberta Berke and Richard Tillinghast. While Peter Stitt mentions a perceived lack of deeper intellectual and emotional depth in some works, Bruce Bennett appreciates the nuanced style that reflects a lifetime of poetic exploration. Pollitt's blend of lyric and free verse, capturing compelling visual imagery, remains a defining feature of her work.