In this classic reference work, Louis Untermeyer gives us our American poetry in its essential pieces. Written by one of the great twentieth century readers, reading poetry becomes an art easily understood and accessed by all. Whether you are looking for the basic elements of a sonnet or want to read further about poetic image or the place of twentieth century poetry in the larger canon this book "pursues" the questions and offers surprisingly insightful and satisfying answers.Know what a sestina is? Whether you answer "yes" or "no," this book is for you: a must have for any serious reader or writer of poetry.
Louis Untermeyer was author, anthologist, and translator of more than a hundred books for readers of all ages. He is best remembered as a prolific anthologist whose treasuries introduced students to contemporary poetry for decades. His collections of Modern American Poetry and Modern British Poetry, revised and amplified have sold over a million copies. He is said to have introduced more poets to readers and more readers to poets than any other American.