JASON 1974, was written in part on a journey to Italy, and later as a result of his studies at Temple University. Majoring in modern poetry, Pound and Joyce, and renaissance of Spencer and Shakespeare. He studied Greek and Roman poetry in translation, as well as Hungarian in original.

Stephen Sweigart has a BA in English Literature from Temple University. He has lived in Philadelphia area his whole life. He worked in a Flooring Distributor full time, and continues to work part time while retired. He has made numerous trips to Europe.