In 1855, Walt Whitman published — at his own expense — the first edition of Leaves of Grass, a visionary volume of twelve poems. Showing the influence of a uniquely American form of mysticism known as Transcendentalism, which eschewed the general society and culture of the time, the writing is distinguished by an explosively innovative free verse style and previously unmentionable subject matter. Exalting nature, celebrating the human body, and...

"Amid the snow-covered woods, a young woman takes in the silent, overwhelming beauty of the natural world around her, all the while knowing that she has miles yet to travel on that dark, frosty night"--Jacket flap.

Examines the life and accomplishments of the African American writer, performer, and teacher. Includes a selection of her poetry.

David Budbill continues his popular poetic ruminations on life in remote New England-an outward survey of a forested mountain and an introspection of self-reliance, anonymity, and the creative life. Inspired by classical Chinese and Japanese poets, Budbill contemplates the seasons, ambition, his questionable desire for fame and fortune, and simple, focused contentment.

"These poems visit high schools, laundromats, motels, films, and dreams in order to measure the American hunger and thirst. They are interested in the things we profess to hold most dear as well as what's unspoken and unbidden. While we're receiving a call or while we're passing through an X-ray machine, the personal is intersected--sometimes violently, sometimes tenderly--with the hum and buzz of the culture. Whether in New York or Tuscaloosa, Seattle...

"Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) is one of America's most beloved writers, most known for his short stories of mystery and horror. He was also an accomplished poet and tough literary critic. Much like the drama and fiction, Poe's life was full of hardships. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by a foster family. As a young man, he developed problems with gambling, debts, and alcohol, and was even dismissed from the army. His love life was marked by...

An illustrated collection of twenty-six poems and excerpts from longer poems by the renowned nineteenth-century poet.

A chronological arrangement of the 500 greatest poems in English- -the poems most frequently included in authorlogies in the 9th edition of The Columbia Granger's index to poetry. With a succinct biographical sketch of each poet and brief comments on each poem.

A collection of the major poetry, dramatic writings, and prose of American poet, Robert Frost.