The Poetry Anthology: 90 Years of America's Most Distinguished Verse Magazine - Perfect for Literature Lovers, Book Clubs & Poetry Enthusiasts

Almost every poetry collection I have ever seen has clear personal preference and bias. This is like the 'Smithsonian' of poetry, though, from classically styled, to beats to avants and those indescribableindividuals who stand alone. If there is work from a type I have trouble with, at least it is the mosttalented and cunning of its type, and I have expanded my preferences with this volume. The indexing isgreat and I can follow the years, follow a poet through the years, or look for themes handled differently.There are so many "best of" collections that only dig a narrow tunnel. This shows a long commitment tosampling all over the map, and picking those who make a strong case for their style even among others.I have been able to find different spirits that cut across time and types here, and gain insight intoareas I wouldn't have had the time to wade into otherwise. With an open mind (from either the structuredor the chaotic side) you can find a lot to enjoy in this thick volume. If you don't like the stanza orthe arrangement of things, I find the lines and coined phrases are always sharp and individual. Check itout. There is a love of the art that cuts across this collection. I pop it open for a surprise often.I have piles of less surprising stuff around. This is shelf space well-spent, for me. It's not the'ultimate', but it has a great sense of what's happened, what's similar and different across the rangeof poetry. My top pick for "a giant book of poetry" as regards the 20th century - plus.