[3][4] Mischa Willett was born in Phoenix, Arizona to a family associated with People's Church,[5] an offshoot of the Jesus movement, and later moved to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, where he was raised.

From a young age, Willett was drawn to literature, finding inspiration in the works of Romantic and Victorian poets, as well as classical mythology and contemporary American poetry.

While writing his dissertation, he spent a year as scholar-in-residence at University of Tübingen in Baden-Württemberg,[6] where, he began work on the impressions of Rainer Maria Rilke that would form his second book, The Elegy Beta.

This critical edition brings renewed attention to Bailey's work, a once-popular and influential Victorian epic poem that had faded from literary prominence over time.

Willett's edition provides readers with a carefully annotated and contextualized version of "Festus," offering insights into the poem's historical background, stylistic features, and thematic concerns.

Through this unique blend of spirituality, wit, and cultural insight, Willett offers readers a fresh perspective on religious poetry, contributing to a broader understanding of the diverse forms and expressions that contemporary verse can take.

[8] Drawing on these influences, "The Elegy Beta" weaves together a profound exploration of the spiritual and the human, engaging readers in an imaginative dialogue with Rilke's vision of the angelic realm.

In addition to his writings on culture and religion, Willett has also shown a keen interest in the Spasmodic poetry movement, examining its historical context and relevance to modern scholars.

The couple's shared passion for the arts and their strong spiritual foundation contribute to a rich and vibrant personal life, which in turn informs and inspires Willett's poetry and essays.