A New York poet has won a significant award for her most recent book, published in October by Graywolf Press of St. Paul.

Matthea Harvey, 35, of Brooklyn, has been awarded the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Prize for "Modern Life." The award, established in 1992 by California's Claremont Graduate University, is awarded annually to mid-career poets and carries a $100,000 prize.

"Modern Life" was also a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle award and was named a New York Times notable book of 2008.

Three other Graywolf poets have won the Tufts award, but not for books that Graywolf published. Last year's winner was Tom Sleigh, who published a collection of essays with Graywolf in 2006.

Word of Harvey's honor came the same day that Graywolf's chapbook of Elizabeth Alexander's poem "Praise Song for the Day" -- written for the inauguration of President Obama -- hit bookstores.

"It's unbelievable," said Erin Kottke, Graywolf marketing manager. "It's really fantastic. It's only February!"

LAURIE HERTZEL