Not a huge poetry fan (at least in the past.) This was a really great collection of poems from the past century.

My caveat is that 20th century American poetry is neither my forte nor my favorite.However, I enjoyed this very much. Dove obviously spent a lot of time working to select the most appropriate pieces for the anthology. And although one might quibble with some of the choices, she did a good job of covering a lot of ground.

I wish there had been more introduction at the beginning of each poet's entries. The introduction at the beginning of the anthology was a bit slap-dash and in some places, even with my limited knowledge, not quite right. Disappointing that Plath wasn't included, though it was done for budgetary purposes. Pretty surprising how biting Dove comes across as in condemning the rights holders. "Alas, the legacy of the dead can still be enslaved by the living." Wow.Still, it's wonderful to be able to re...

My bible

This is a great Anthology for American Poetry! I just wished that there are footnotes that provide details for the poems included in this anthology. I think some may feel a bit torn with the lineup of poets and poems in this anthology but it's also great to discover other American poets from the twentieth-century that I haven't read back when I was in college.

Beautiful anthology. Dove's poems were some of my favorites. So many new discoveries.

An excellent anthology of American poetry of the 20th century. Rita Dove has pulled together old and new and brought forth a diverse collection of American voices. I'm comparing this to two other American collections that I read which were both released in the first half of the 20th century--A Comprehensive Anthology of American Poetry (1944) edited by Conrad Aiken and The New Pocket Anthology of Amerian Verse edited by Oscar Williams (1955). Those were books of their time. While both focused on...

Dove has gathered an eclectic collection of the 20th Century’s “best” poems, from Edgar Lee Masters to Terrance Hayes. Unfortunately, the short introductions are perfunctory, omitting the most interesting aspects of each poet.

Very good read for poetry lovers. Nice collection, actually even if you are not the typical poetry lover, there is even one or two poems there for you. I loved "You can have it", "Poem about my Rights", "Populist Manifesto", to name a few.

Poetry anthologies are, in general, the bêtes noires of the literary world. Feared and suffered by many, loved and appreciated by few. Oft criticized, rarely praised, they are the staple of survey literature courses, and the bane of students everywhere. There has yet to be an anthology published that hasn’t been met with condemnation from some critic or other. There’s always too little of what’s good and too much of what’s bad, depending on who’s judging. Editing them is largely a thankless task...

My only complaint with this anthology is that I wish it included more bio information on each poet and a bit about their style and what makes their poetry important.

Do I like anthologies so much because I'm still nostalgic about school?This had all the old hits, plus many new surprises. And spates of boredom, sure.I liked Rita Dove's introduction. But I found the introductory paragraph about each poet unreadable. It says where they were born, where they went to school, what books they've published, what awards they've won, and where they died. These are the least interesting facts about poets. I felt lost regarding the work's relevance and it's connection t...

The cover in the picture is not the cover of my book. What a beautiful book! Well done all around. The selection is good, the spacing on the page is just right, and the book feels right in the hand too. It's so good a friend of mine pinched it!

Not a bad anthology at all. Good for people trying to get a taste of 20th century poetry. I did feel like there were some authors that were left out. I don't know if they were intentionally left out or if it was a copyright thing but still it was a good collection.

This is a beautiful book. I heard Dove interviewed by Bill Moyers, and immediately bought the book. I have been ending the day at school reading a poem twice. Not talking about it, as Dove requested, just reading it. The poems selected in the volume have a range and depth to them. Dove's notes on each author are helpful insights to the poems. I also have to comment on the physical beauty of the book. When I got it I walked it around my classroom and let the students feel each page, and feel the

Overall, by the end this anthology provided exactly what I had hoped for when I bought it — a list of other poets I should read. I enjoyed the romp through some familiar names and many unfamiliar ones. In particular, I am grateful for discovering Larry Levis from this book! There were some long stretches of boredom, though, waiting for the next poet to really catch you. As one could expect, there are plenty of poems in here that are going to fall flat for you and not be in your favored style. I

We have been reading from this for class. A lot of the ones my professor has selected are good, but I have enjoyed exploring the book as a whole. It covers a wide range of topics and styles which was really cool to see.

If this was a perfect world, everyone would have this book on the bookshelf in one's family room. And an extra copy for every bedside table.Alas, this is not a perfect world and even if I beg you, even if I plead with you to make this purchase for your home, some will scoff and snort. "Poetry! Bah. Humbug."If you are not one of those people, the poetry nay-sayers, the people that make this a sadder world, trust me on this: This is the best poetry collection that exists on this planet.

Where was Richard Brautigan?

A fantastic collection of poetry by some of America's greatest poets. This is a well-thought collection that pushes beyond the obvious and often challenges the reader with poems that are complex, troubling, enlightening, and sometimes difficult to read. If you love poetry, this is an indispensable collection to own. If you write poetry, this is sure to inspire you. Highly recommended.