Must Read Poetry Collections
Poetry has been around for thousands of years, providing a cathartic form of expression to poets and readers alike. But with so many poetry collections out there, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to finding great reads. While there is no one-size-fits-all way to choose the “greatest” poetry collections, here are a few that stand out as essential reading.
The Best of the Beat Generation
The Beats were a literary movement in the 1950s and early 1960s featuring authors like Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William S. Burroughs. Among their many works was an iconic collection of poetry called The Best of the Beat Generation. The collection contains poems from some of the most famous Beat authors, including Howl by Allen Ginsberg. It has a timeless quality and includes many masterpieces of the beatnik era.
Poems by William Butler Yeats
William Butler Yeats was an Irish poet, playwright, and Nobel Prize winner. His work is beloved by readers around the world, and his collections of poetry are renowned for their lyrical, mesmerizing beauty. Must-read collections from Yeats include The Tower, The Wild Swans at Coole, and The Winding Stair and Other Poems. All of these collections evoke profound emotion and contain some of Yeats’ most venerated work.
Collected Poems by Sylvia Plath
Sylvia Plath was an American poet and novelist whose work is renowned for its candid portrayal of depression and mental illness. Her collected works are essential reading for fans of poetry. Plath’s collections of poetry include poems on a variety of themes, including the power of the natural world, love, and the resilience of the human spirit. Must-read collections from Plath include Ariel, which contains some of her most beloved poems, and Collected Poems, which spans her entire career.
Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
Regarded as one of the greatest American poets of all time, Walt Whitman penned the epic collection of poetry Leaves of Grass. Regarded by some as a spiritual Bible of sorts, Leaves of Grass features poems on themes such as individuality, nature, celebration, and politics. It is widely considered an essential reading for anyone interested in American poetry.
Lyrical Ballads by William Wordsworth
William Wordsworth was a major literary figure of the Romantic period. His most famous collection of poetry, Lyrical Ballads, includes a plethora of works exploring themes of nature and love. Exceptional poems from the collection include The Tables Turned and Tintern Abbey.
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe is perhaps one of the most read poems ever written. It is widely considered a masterpiece of horror and gothic literature and its hauntingly ominous nature is unsurpassed by few other poems. This classic work, along with other works by Poe, are essential readings for fans of poetry.
Modernist Poetry
Modernism was a literary movement that began in the late 19th century, with T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Wastelands’ often being regarded as the beginning of the modernist movement. Modernist poetry is known for its fragmented writing styles and its focus on experimentation. Famed poems from the modernist movement include The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot and The Second Coming by W.B. Yeats.
Contemporary Poetry
Contemporary poetry is the work of authors who are writing poetry in the 21st century. Contemporary poetry embraces a range of styles, from formal to experimental. Some of the most acclaimed contemporary poets include Madeline Miller, Don Paterson, and Emily Dickinson. Contemporary collections of poetry such as Miller’s Circe and Lionheart are essential reading for anybody looking to be exposed to new and innovative forms of poetry.
Poetry of War and Conflict
Poetry of war and conflict is a subset of literature that examines war, combat, and the experience of conflict. Poets like Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon wrote about the horrors of the First World War, while modern poets like Ursula Le Guin and Yusef Komunyakaa examine more recent conflicts such as the Vietnam War. Reading war poetry helps us to understand the full experience of war and its consequences, and is an essential part of remembering those who have lost their lives in combat.
Performance Poetry
Performance poetry or ‘slam’ poetry is a form of poetry that is performed in front of an audience. It has become increasingly popular in the last two decades and often features spoken word elements. Some of the most famous performance poets and spoken word artists include Saul Williams and Kate Tempest. Performance poetry is an essential part of contemporary poetry and is growing in recognition and popularity.
Political Poetry
Political poetry is a type of poetry which expresses a political sentiment. It can be anything from a protest poem, to an examination of current affairs, to a diatribe against a particular political figure or movement. Essential reading for those interested in political poetry include Shelley’s ‘The Masque of Anarchy’, Auden’s ‘September 1, 1939’ and Breyten Breytenbach’s ‘Return to the Careful Mosquito’.
Haiku Poetry
Haiku is a type of Japanese poetry which evolved out of classical Japanese poetry and is known for its sparse, poetic structure. Typically, haiku features three lines of verse and is known for its emphasis on nature and the seasons. Haiku poetry is essential reading for anyone looking to immerse themselves in this ancient art form. Notable haiku poets include Matsuo Bashō, Yosa Buson, and Masaoka Shiki.
Poetry and Mental Health
Poetry has long been used by many sufferers of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, as a way of expressing and dealing with difficult emotions. The therapeutic power of writing, reading and reciting poetry for people with mental health issues has been gaining increased recognition in recent years. Poems like ‘Keep Moving’ by Langston Hughes and ‘Daffodils’ by William Wordsworth are essential reads for anyone wanting to explore the power of poetry on mental health.
Children’s Poetry
Children’s poetry is a vital part of any child’s development, as it provides an accessible way for them to engage with literature and language. Famous authors of children’s poetry include A.A. Milne, Shel Silverstein, and Roald Dahl. Poetry collections which feature an eclectic selection of works from various authors, such as The Oxford Book of Children’s Poetry, are ideal when it comes to introducing children to the wonder of poetry.
