Poetry Books

The man was genius, and this collection of his work is one of the best I have seen yet. AMAZING!

This is a rich collection of the work of Tennyson, and those who care for his verse will derive great pleasure from it. For myself most of Tennyson's longer poems have been more skimmed and tasted by me than really chewed and digested. Tennyson lives as a poet to me primarily through one poem, 'Ulysses'. This poem to my mind perfectly embodies a certain heroic stance toward life. It does this in immortal lines. The poem tells the story of the great Ulysses returning home after having voyaged and become ' a part of all I have met' . He is now not the youth who set out in the beginning but an elderly veteran. He begins with , 'Though much is taken much abides' And so in mid-life or in late- life having come home he is not content to rest. But is an ' old man explorer' who sets out again to meet and make his destiny. ' Though much is taken much abides, and though we are not that strength, which in old days, moved earth and heaven, that which we are we are, one equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will, to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.'
This kind of determination not only spoke to the Victorian world, and to Tennyson's own life- situation with its great losses and difficulties, but I believe will speak to mankind for so long as we are human.

This is an excellent collection of Tennyson's poems,
very representative, very inclusive. In order to make
room for so many poems with full texts, the editor has
chosen not to include an Introduction. This, of course,
for the non-Tennyson reader or person wishing to know
more about him presents something of an obstacle. However,
a bit of rambling to one's own library, or a municipal
one, can solve that.
There is included a Chronology of important dates and
events concerning Tennyson's life. From this, a few of
the important facts seem to be: 1809--born at Somersby,
fourth son of Revd George Clayton Tennyson, Rector of
Somersby; 1816-1820--pupil at Louth Grammar School,
subsequently educated at home by his father; 1827--
publishes _Poems by Two Brothers_ with his brother
Charles, also enters Trinity College, Cambridge University;
1829--meets Arthur Henry Hallam, also a student at Trinity,
who was to become Tennyson's close friend and the fiance
of Tennyson's sister Emily, also wins the Chancellor's
Gold Medal with his prize poem "Timbuctoo", and becomes
a member of the "Apostles," a Cambridge debating society;
1830--publication of _Poems, Chiefly Lyrical_; 1831--death
of Tennyson's father, he leaves Cambridge without a
degree; 1833 (September) death of Hallam, his close
friend, from a cerebral hemorrhage while on holiday in
Vienna; 1840--beginning of almost a decade of depression
and ill health for Tennyson; 1850--marries Emily
Sellwood, appointed Poet Laureate of England; 1852--birth
of first son whom he names "Hallam"; 1883--accepts offer
of title of Baron, taking his seat in the House of
Lords in March 1884; 1892--dies on 6 October.
The poems in this anthology come from the major
publishings of Tennyson's poems. The first two:
"Timbuctoo" was published in the _Cambridge Chronicle
and Journal_ (1829) --and "The Idealist" was not
published during Tennyson's lifetime [this information

comes from the very good notes supplied by the Editor
Aidan Day at the back of the volume].
The poems included in this volume which the scholar or
general reader might wish to know are here collected
in one edition [full texts], along with many more
than these mentioned, are: The Lady of Shalott; Oenone;
The Palace of Art; The Hesperides; The Lotos-Eaters;
Morte d'Arthur; Ulysses; Locksley Hall; short poems
from _The Princess_; IN MEMORIAM, A.H.H. (1850);
MAUD (1855); Ode on the Death of the Duke of Wellington;
The Charge of the Light Brigade; Tithonous; Lucretius;
To E. FitzGerald; Tiresias; The Ancient Sage; Locksley
Hall Sixty Years After (1886); Demeter and Persephone;
Crossing the Bar. These poems are presented in
chronological order in the text, and the very good
Table of Contents in the front of the book tells
the poetry collection and its date from which the
poems come.
Tennyson is one of those interesting poets that take
a bit of time (at least for me) to get used to -- to
want to read, to really listen to. Having had the
experience of being required to memorize some of
Tennyson for my early academic training in school
at least got me acquainted with the more accessible,
but somewhat less deep poems. But it has taken several
years, much experience, and depressed grief over the
loss of a beloved, to bring me into synch with
the deeper poetry...or at least, being able to hear
it with deeper understanding, deeper reading.
From these poems it is hard to pick "favorites," and
that almost seems too trite a word. Maybe "meaningful"
would be more appropriate as a term. The two I would
select out would be "The Palace of Art" (1832; rev.
1842) and IN MEMORIAM, A.H.H. (1833), on the death
of his dear, beloved friend Arthur Hallam.
From "The Palace of Art," these lines resonate:
* * * * * * * * *
And with choice paintings of wise men I hung
The royal dais round.

For there was Milton like a seraph strong,
Beside him Shakespeare bland and mild;
And there the world-worn Dante grasp'd his song,
And somewhat grimly smiled.

And there the Ionian father of the rest;
A million wrinkles carved his skin;
A hundred winters snow'd upon his breast,
From cheek and throat and chin.
......
And thro' the topmost Oriels' coloured flame
Two godlike faces gazed below;
Plato the wise, and large-brow'd Verulam,
The first of those who know.

-- Arthur Lord Tennyson.
* * * * * * * *

This little book is a good and inexpensive introduction to Tennyson, who was every Victorian lady's favorite. From a purely technical level, he was absolutely ingenious, perhaps the best poet of Victorian times. His poems were also easy to remember and recite aloud. For example, "The Lady of Shalott." Give this poem a try and you'll see what I mean.

David Rehak
author of "Poems From My Bleeding Heart"

By the way, this Penguin book has the COMPLETE text of "In Memoriam." The Everyman's edition does not.

I am amazed by her power. In her hands, words spring to life and life springs to words. Her mind plants the living experience in a kiss on the hand and flings it to her audience like affectionate royalty waving to an attentive crowd.

She was born in Hamburg, Germany and the "Curriculum Vitae" poem in this volume beautifully articulates her immigration to the United States and her life here. Mueller was recently awarded one of the largest prizes in literature, the 2002 Ruth Lilly Prize -- $100,000.00. Her poetry is worth that, and more.

Her Mother's death "hurt" her into poetry, she writes here, and yet the observations she gives through these poems are pure redemption. What she experiences is what we all know, and she offers it to us with reverence and respect in sparkling language of pure gold.

When she stumbles on the fact of aging: "One day," she writes, "on a crowded elevator, everyone's face was younger than mine. . . .The brilliant days and nights are breathless in their hurry."

I love everything she's written and eagerly wait for more.
One short poem just to treat you to an example of what poetry can be:

"EX MACHINA
"My word processor does not know Shakespeare.
It balks at ripeness, stops me at Othello
and Desdemona. They are not
in its vocabulary. On the other hand
it does not question arrogance and power,
accepts betrayal, jealousy and grief,
uncomprehending. They are on the list.

"I am reminded of the face
of the young killer on the screen
the other night. He knew the words
gun and crime and prison.
He even knew the word guilty,
but when he said it, his eyes were blank."

Buy this book -- and all her books if you can find them. Keep them nearby so you can reach into a poem when you need to be reminded what living is for.

This book of poetry won the Pulitzer Prize. She writes about a variety of topics, which makes her writing so easily accessible depending on whatever mood you're in or what you want to read.

Her poetry about birds is particularly detailed and lovely. As is the poetry about her mother, about death, abuse, about relationships...I can't imagine you'd be disappointed. Support POETS, support your own imagination and dreams - buy this book -- add this to your collection or give it as a gift. The title poem, Alive Together, is superb. Some other favorites: The Blind Leading the Blind, Why I need the Birds, When I am Asked, Things, Mirrors, Missing the Dead, and JOY.

here's a bit of When I am Asked:

when I am asked/how I began writing poems, I talk about the indifference of nature.

It was soon after my mother died, a brilliant June day, everything blooming.

I sat on a gray stone bench/ringed with the ingenue faces/of pink and white impatiens/and placed my grief/in the mouth of language,
the only thing that would grieve with me.

RECOMMENDED!

I treasure this book. It is beautiful, clear, and profound. Mueller's words and perspective awaken me with each reading. Robyn Johnson

If you are looking for one poem about relationships, "Alive Together" is the one. And with the rest of the poems in this amazing collection you'll find more truth, beauty and life. Get this book. Read this book. Send "Alive Together" to your significant other.

Lisel Mueller is hands down one of the contemporary masters of the free verse form. In her second language she writes of exile, reclamation, home, beauty. She excels at the persona poem, writing devastating sequences on (among others) Hellen Keller, Patty Hearst, Monet, Schumann, Bach, Brendel, and Mary Shelly. This New and Selected will lead your straight to Mueller's individual collections, worth every penny.

Cynie Cory, our very own alumnus of FSU is an amazing writer. Cory has been published in literary magazines as the non-profit literary magazine, Indian Review. If the cover of the book doesn't make you just want to pick up the book at once then I don't know what will. Aside from the brilliant defining poems Cory has brilliantly written I can't help but to admire the beautiful cover art of her book, American Girl. What intrigued me the most was the almost not meant to be seen writings on the cover, " winter never really finishes itself when the ice breaks free. It's still winter." Makes you think just like her many poems within this book. The amazing peaceful, befitting, and to the point poems is what makes this book so outstanding. This amazing American girl may just be among us Seminoles and we must keep an eye out for her and her future writings. This "American Girl" is definitely a must have in your collection of poetry.

This is the best book of poetry that I've read in a long time. Cynie Cory is brilliant and eclectic in her work, showing off a wide range of forms and subject matter as she questions the role of females in America. Her poems are quiet and deafening, meek and confident all at once. She doesn't beat around the bush, she gets right to the point. If you love beautiful images, there is much to be found throughout her poems, many that reoccur such as winter imagery, plums, directional references, etc. But the best thing about the book is that it does not give you any answers. Is Cory the quintessential American girl, or the underlying truth of girlhood in America? She leaves that up to the reader. Overall, a truly masterful book.

Cory plays with images and puts it all on the table for everyone to see. In American Girl, Cory touches on almost all subjects dealing with being a female. She takes us through heartbreak, love, and even through gun rights. I believe that Cory put her heart into this book and the readers will see. A must read.

I've taken a couple classes taught by Dr. Cory so my perspective on her work might be a little skewed, but I think this book of poetry is beautiful. American Girl is held together by recurring motifs, such as the repeated use of water, that are intertwined with well placed imagery. Winter is also a common thread and the poems really bring the reader back to a time in their life that is tied closely to the seasons. My favorite poem is The Theory of Everything. It is all about not being confined and wanting to be free. Most poems of this nature are dark and depressing, yet The Theory of Everything is quite optimistic. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to dive into a great piece of contemporary American poetry.

Great fun in this book of modulated and in some ways midwest-obsessed poetry. The great trick about this book is that it is both accessible and heady, experimental but not obnoxiously so. We see plenty of winter herein, and plenty of play with gender (as the title suggests, as the blurbs suggest). I am ordering more. I suggest you do too.

The author illustrates in vivid clarity the fallacy of this so called reality. The percentage of people who don't understand will always be higher than those who do! These are poetic verses that go far beyond the depth of just words into the realm of divine consciousness. Awaken the sleeping Giant within you!!

Andre set the stage with the very first page of this book. He quote Proverbs 15:24 "The way of life is above to the wise that he may depart from the hell beneath". This author goes on to exemplify that he understand the message. This author brings the message front and center with no holds barred. Rude Awakening invoke a quest for spiritual knowledge , truth and justice. He talks about issues that are contreversial yet real. Kudo's to this author and the talents he possess, surely no rock will have to speak for him.

This book is off the hook. I also have his first book of poetry, so I am dedicated. I was extremely impressed, just when I thought I couldn't get any better... Do your thang......

I though Mr. Andre Thornton second book Awake was outstanding, it displayed maturity, ambitious, and great entertainment for reading time. I've noticed a unique quality he has in expressing his thoughts. I even wonder if some of his expression comes from experience. However I think Mr. Thornton show advance talent in his writing. One day I hope to recognize his peoms in music.

I'm a huge fan of poetry and spoken word. I think that I've seen and heard some of the best. This ranks up there with the best of them. Non-commercialized and hard hitting is how I would define this book. It surely opened my eyes, or rather made me "realize" some of my own thoughts. Poems like Corporate Plantation and the Trap are off the meter. These words will make you get your mind right, this is not for play. This is 4 Real.

This book was a labor of my love. Read my poetic lines and join me in my love, tears, smiles, and understanding of the world in which we live.

A book of Prose and poetry as only a New England born Author could write.
This book is all about life of family, nature, love and there are four pages about Leo Mustonen, the Airman who was missing for sixty years before the mystery was solved in a frozen mountain side.
A favored addition to my shelves of poetry along side my own two co-Authored books.

Two Worlds Apart
I've been a fan of Lou's poetic masterpieces for quite some time. This book is no exception. His talent as a poet shines with realism and expertise.

This book was amazing; it gave me new perspective on life. I also had several laughs and tears with this book. Best investment I ever made.

This book makes me smile. Lou takes a look at the ordinary and makes it extraordinary - - with a twist.

I snagged this at our library on a whim but it has quickly become a favorite of mine! Our 2-yr-old loves it too. We have an older child as well so I especially enjoy the inclusion of a doting sibling in the story. What a delightful portrayal of the first year of life, discovering family relationships and physical development.

I also love how the passage of time is marked with seasons rather than cut-and-dried numbered months for each stage. This allows you to enjoy the natural progression without getting hung up on the standard age for each milestone. Both of our children are healthy, but our first was "early" and our second was "late" with most of these "firsts" and it's easy to become a little anxious at times because it's impossible not to compare and contrast with others! How great not to add that stress into a children's storybook!

The watercolor artwork is glowing and gorgeous - it makes you want to just sit and almost breathe it in - it could be framed for a nursery!

The text and changes in font size are expertly done to provide details yet highlight the basics for younger listeners. This would make a lovely baby shower gift. We've now run out of renewals at the library so it's going straight to her wish list so we can have it forever!

Captivating illustrations celebrate the first year of baby's life. Moments after birth, smiles and all the joyous experiences of discovery and accomplishment are revealed in sweet prose and illustrations on each breathtaking page. This book will gently tug at the heartstrings of anyone who has ever loved a baby.

This book is so sweet and beautifully illustrated; It was on a shelf at our local library in the "New Books" section. I picked it up to read to my 20 month old daughter and proceeded to burst into tears! This could have been written about her; all of baby's 1st year milestones are recorded in harmony with nature. It is a simple and charming story. I will buy this book and save it for my little girl - so she can read about herself when she is grown!

The book had beautiful illustrations and a wonderful storyline. It is a wonderful way to celebate a baby's first birthday.

I had four children over a period of ten years, when, frankly, it wasn't fashionable. Realising now that I and my wife have "done our bit" to raise the census count now, we tend to look back very rarely on that period when they were all crawling about or demanding room service...

It's rather sad that while that period is going on, you rarely find people who will barge into the house and actually tell you the truth - that in all this haze of nappies, late nights, worry, and occasional delight, that this period is unreplaceable, precious, and if you look out of the corner of your eye, more than wonderful. Babies are one thing, I guess according to one set of people, but a parallel reality grants them quite incredible powers - they are magical creatures, impossible, fantastic, wise, full of joy and splendour.

This book made me look in precisely that direction - towards the rather long time ago of my own tinies, and I was immensely moved by the memories I had put away of my babies learning every little ordinary thing. And the art is just right and it's all magic.

I had to look the other way, my eyes were rather wet when I finally looked away, and of course I bought it. I'm not sure why, because my babies are now quite big, but I caught my girls reading it, and perhaps it's going to be for their babies, one day in the far distance!

What a great collection! This is a wonderful read. I've heard many aviation poems before - but, this compilation has them all. Enjoy!

At the end of a Naval Aviator-Commercial Pilot career, I wish I had this volume for my family (and myself) during all those years. It puts into lyrical words the thoughts and feelings of "being a bird" and why I am what I am. A good read and a bedside book. We owe Reda one at the bar.

Col Reda has done a truly impressive job in colecting and selecting poems for this marvelous anthology. All the classics are included but it the quality of the lesser known poems that sets this book apart. A must have book for every pilot, and for those who love them.

Everyone who has experienced flight (and those who long to) can relate to the sheer emotion that it evokes, sometimes from deep within ones soul, often pleasant, sometimes not. As you are experiencing the sensations you may frequently be too caught up in the moment to express yourself with words, well, here they are. Yes they are others experiences, but you will find very many which match yours close enough to be called your own. Flight as many other "Romantic" adventures has it's way of engraving itself on your heart. These are exceptional expressions of a wide variety of flight forms, there's something here for everyone. A must for the enthusiasts bookshelves.

An excellent collection of aviation poetry that contains something for everyone. I recommend keeping the book bedside for some enjoyable light reading every night. The variety and notoriety of the authors is impressive.

Un petit livre destiné à la jeunesse, "L'histoire qu'on lit au bord du lit" est écrite en vers et, en quelques pages, tourne autour du thème du lit : le lit tel qu'on l'aime, c'est-à-dire douillet, voyageur, pliant, casse-croûte, sous-marin ou tremplin. Chaque thème est travaillé de façon amusante, autour de paraboles et d'images hautes en couleur ! Les illustrations sont comiques, signées par Rotraut Susanne Berner, les vers sont traduits par Beatrice Vierne. Ce qui est particulièrement enrichissant, et s'adressant ainsi à un lectorat plus avisé, c'est que l'édition est bilingue : la page de gauche est en édition originale, celle de droite en français. Ainsi de lire les deux versions et de s'extasier sur la plume talentueuse de Sylvia Plath - auteur prometteuse trop tôt disparue !

Embark on a gentle, fantastic trip into a magical world that lies between reality and dream. Your child's imagination (and your own) will drift into sleep with images of acrobats, submarines, elephant beds, and so much more!

That this book should be out of print is a complete mystery to me, not enough violence in it, I imagine. As for the used price above, I can just imagine snuggling in bed with my child and an antique book... Books like this are meant to be read again and again, not placed in a gilded cage on a pedestal.

After years of searching for a copy (new or used) of Plath's "The Bed Book", which I used to read to my son when he was a toddler, I discovered that a publisher in the U.K. is going to re-release the book in September, 1999. I hope Amazon.com will make it available. . . this is a smashingly creative book, with page after page of beautiful watercolor illustrations.

My son and I read this book for years at bed-time - It was our absolutle favorite. Somehow we have lost the book and I have been searching for another copy for ages. Can the DC reviewer provide me with the name of the British publisher that is going to re-release this book - or any other details that might lead me to a copy? I would be very appreciative!

"Not just a white little, tucked in tight little, nighty night little, turn out the light little, Bed."

And this is not just an ordinary book. I came accross it one day and decided to give it a go, having read other Plath works. This book is incredible, te utter childishness of it, every time I think of it, it brings a smile to my face. This book is a must-read.

The poem "panthermometer" is a great intro into measuring temperature. My kids at home love them all. Great post modern looking collage artwork as well.

I enjoy Jack Prelutsky--he's clever and entertaining for children and adults alike. This is a whimsical collection of ani-jects or ob-imals (take your pick!), very inventive and enjoyable.

I love this book. I like the poetry, the illustrations and the play with words and language. I find that I like most of his books and have bought several others. Children like the word play when hearing it read out loud and to them selves.

My kids, girl age 8 and boy age 11 both enjoy this cd. Its has the right amount of absurdity and humor to appeal to both of them. It has 56 tracks, three total books. Behold the Bold Umrellapant, What a Day it was at School and Scranimals for an hour long cd. Your kids will want to look at the books while they listen, at least the first time. If your kids like Shel Silverstein, they will like this cd as well.

I only recently discovered Jack Prelutsky and would just like to say, "where have you been all my life?" His books are a delight to read, especially aloud, because of the spectacular words he chooses. It's like the verbal equivalent of the best dessert you've ever had.

I read this book aftr my husband and found it to be one of the best books I've read in a long time. I know of many fathers who are seperared from their children too. I'm going to suggest it to many of them. I really enjoyed the poems in the story, they really brought me both to tears and cheers! How encouraging that one man can continue on to want and desire to be a great dad no matter what has happened to him in his life. I wish all dads were as dedicated. Thanks!!!

In this memoir, the author tells a creatively written and humorous story of his life as his parents divorce and then he finds divorce in his life. The presence of his wanting desire to be a dad is touching while he eludes to the life and memories of his own father's effect on his life. It's a journey of reflection to further understand his roles and example to his children. This author is certainly a man of his passion, character and effort to be involved as a father. I've known many other fathers who are just as concerned and wanting to be a good father after a divorce. This memoir provides the reader with an emotional tale of a father's love and difficulties with this divorce arena we all have been touched by in some way. I certainly suggest this for everyone to read on a cold winter day, because when your through you'll want to get out and enjoy the warmth of the sun.

I found this book by sheer luck just exploring and I am so glad I did. The poems were an enlighting and fulfilling reward in this story of a man's recovery through divorce. It was really difficult for me when I got divorced, and this book brought me back but inspired me with hope. I recommend it for all single fathers as a moment to reflect, refill you coffers, and restore your energies about being a good father, even after a divorce.

I'm a single Mom, not a single Dad, but I found the book
both touching and inspiring. I was moved by the journey and
the poetry of this insightful and eloquent man. The book
is not for men only.

I recommend single fathers from all walks of life to read this book in it's entirety, your not alone !! I say "BRAVO" to the author for his courage to put his personal life story... an open, honest , no sugar coated memoir of a real life story of one mans love for his children and the sacrifices fathers make to protect the well being of their loved ones. Take the journey with the author and find inspriation for your own situation. I encourage the Author to write another book......I was left wanting to know and understand more!!! Who am I??? just someone who cares about what Divorces are doing to our society and the victims...our children!!!