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savaging's review
3.0
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 to other pieces and larger literary movements. There wasn't even a date attached to the poems, so for poets with long careers you had no idea if something was written in the 50s or the 90s.
Also, in what is probably an unpopular opinion, I wanted footnotes to explain obscure literary and historical references.
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 to other pieces and larger literary movements. There wasn't even a date attached to the poems, so for poets with long careers you had no idea if something was written in the 50s or the 90s.
Also, in what is probably an unpopular opinion, I wanted footnotes to explain obscure literary and historical references.
debnanceatreaderbuzz's review
5.0
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.
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.
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