Robert Frost is one of the world’s most renowned poets, having been published in multiple collections of poetry, an impressive five of which were named Pulitzer Prize winners. He published over a dozen books of poetry in his lifetime, many of which contained some of his most memorable works. His works have been immortalized in classrooms and anthologies, referenced in popular culture, and have contributed to his place as one of America’s best-loved poets. Here are the books that Robert Frost wrote:
Collected Poems (1930)
Frost’s Collected Poems was published in 1930, and contained a compilation of his work from 1920-1930. It included some of his most notable and beloved works, such as “The Road Not Taken”, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”, and “Birches”, among many others. It was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry upon its release, and remains one of the most popular collections of Frost’s work today.
A Boy’s Will (1913)
A Boy’s Will, published in 1913, was Frost’s first collection of poems. It contained works inspired by his upbringing in rural New England, his coming-of-age, and his later years in Massachusetts. It was a defining moment of Frost’s career, as the collection marked his decision to pursue writing as his profession, rather than the family farm. The book has become a classic in American literature.
New Hampshire (1923)
In 1923, Robert Frost released New Hampshire, a follow-up to A Boy’s Will that gave readers a deeper insight into Frost’s world. The poems in New Hampshire were striking in their sense of realism and intimacy, as they oftentimes encompassed Frost’s personal life and his reflections on love, death, and faith. New Hampshire won Frost the second of his Pulitzer Prizes, and has been credited as the collection in which he found his own unique voice.
North of Boston (1914)
North of Boston, released in 1914, was Frost’s second volume of poetry and followed A Boy’s Will by one year. The poems in the volume have been described as less reflective and more narrative — evoking tales of rural life and small-town New England. This collection includes some of Frost’s most acclaimed works, such as “Mending Wall”, “Death of the Hired Man”, and “Mowing”, among others.
A Further Range (1936)
A Further Range, the third of Frost’s Pulitzer Prize-winning volumes, was released in 1936 and was an expansion on New Hampshire, containing poetic explorations of human relationships, death, and concrete impressions of nature. The collection was celebrated for its accessible language and vivid imagery, and was praised by literary critics and readers alike.
West-Running Brook (1928)
West-Running Brook was published in 1928 and included a compilation of Frost’s work from 1922-1927. It was a collection distinct from Frost’s earlier works, as the poems explored themes of mortality and the effects of time on the human psyche. West-Running Brook has become essential in understanding Frost’s message of paring life down to the essentials, and it has become a staple in literature classrooms.
Mountain Interval (1916)
Mountain Interval, released in 1916, is regarded as one of Frost’s best works, and it is well-known for its deeply introspective reflection. This collection dives into recurring themes such as loss and loneliness, through Frost’s unique lenses of nature and human intimacy. Mountain Interval also includes some of Frost’s best-known works, such as “The Road Not Taken”, “Birches”, and “After Apple-Picking”, among others.
Further Reading On Robert Frost’s Works
Robert Frost’s works have shaped not just the literary landscape of the twentieth century, but have been incorporated into popular culture, continuing Frost’s legacy. Here are some recommended resources to further explore Frost’s works:
Robert Frost: A Biography (1966)
Lawrence Thompson’s classic 1966 biography is an objective and detailed account of Frost’s life, as Thompson compiled letters, interviews, and personal accounts to paint a picture of Frost’s career. One can learn a great deal about Frost’s inspirations, motivations, and methods of poetic composition through this book, making it essential reading for anyone interested in Frost’s body of work.
The Poetry of Robert Frost (1939)
This 1939 collection of Frost’s works, edited by Edward Connery Lathem, contains some of Frost’s most well-known works, including “The Road Not Taken”, “After Apple-Picking”, “Nothing Gold Can Stay”, and many more. This is an essential reference for anyone interested in Frost’s work, and provides an overview of each of his major works in greater detail.
Robert Frost: An Anthology of Recent Criticism (2009)
This 2009 anthology, edited by James M. Cox, provides a comprehensive overview of Frost’s works and his career as a poet. It contains reviews, criticisms, and analyses of Frost’s works, and is an invaluable source of insight and information on Frost and his writings.
The Letters of Robert Frost, Volume I: 1886-1920 (1964)
This two-volume set provides a deep look into Frost’s life, as it contains over 750 documents and letters, many of which were written by Frost himself. This invaluable set is essential for getting a window into Frost’s thoughts and beliefs about poetry, literature, and life in general.
Selected Poems of Robert Frost (1963)
This 1963 collection is a great starting point for anyone interested in Robert Frost. It is a compilation of some of Frost’s best-loved poems, from A Boy’s Will to In the Clearing. It serves as an updated version of Frost’s Collected Poems, and it is a great introduction to his writings for those unfamiliar with his work.
