The essay collection Proofs and Theories, awarded the PEN/Martha Albrand Award in 1993 for best first non-fiction work, is an enlightening compilation of texts by Louise Glück. Glück's prose possesses the same precise language, penetrating insight, and vision that define her poetry.

The power of her thought is vividly apparent in these essays, from how she explores the work of other poets to how she skeptically contemplates concepts of literary criticism such as "honesty" and "courage." There are also her revealing thoughts on her personal education and life as a poet, as well as a tribute to her teacher and mentor, Stanley Kunitz.

The book Proofs and Theories is the testament of a major poet.