Inspired and inspirational, worldly wise, deeply felt, and often delightfully funny-here in one compact volume are 100 of the greatest poems written in English over the last century, memorable masterpieces that everyone should know and enjoy. Selected and introduced by Joseph Parisi, former longtime editor of Poetry magazine, this brilliant collection brings together the greatest poems by all the classic authors, along with the choicest works by today's most accomplished artists in America and abroad. From W. H. Auden and T. S. Eliot to John Ashbery and A. R. Ammons; Elizabeth Bishop and Marianne Moore to Sylvia Plath and Mary Oliver; Robert Frost and W. B. Yeats to Allen Ginsberg and Thom Gunn, this comprehensive anthology features the poems that have best expressed the spirit of our times and helped create modern culture. In addition to such ground-breaking works as "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" and "Howl," Mr. Parisi has included the incisive social satire and whimsical wordplay of such wits as Dorothy Parker, Ogden Nash, and Frank O'Hara. Among contemporary poets in the book are Seamus Heaney, Jane Kenyon, Rita Dove, Sharon Olds, Paul Muldoon, Adrienne Rich, and the redoubtable Billy Collins, all of whom have already achieved wide popular acclaim for poems that speak compellingly about modern life and the perennial concerns of the human heart. Mr. Parisi provides a general introduction to the book and introduces each poem with a brief biographical and critical note. For anyone who wishes to discover or to re-experience the most important and vital poems of our time, 100 Essential Modern Poems is, quite simply, indispensable.

About the Author
Joseph Parisi edited Poetry magazine from 1983 to 2003. He has been a Guggenheim Fellow and is a By-Fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge. His most recent books include Dear Editor: A History of Poetry in Letters and The Poetry Anthology, both co-edited with Stephen Young. Mr. Parisi lives in Chicago.

Reviews
Useful to those new to the genre, as well as to readers looking for a single portable volume. -- Sheila Janega * School Library Journal *
Invaluable....generous in its selection of poems and extraordinarily generous in providing the information necessary to enter the world of those poems. -- James Matthew Wilson * Contemporary Poetry Review *
The most valuable aspect is the brief biographical essay on each poet, information helpful in teaching. * The Bloomsbury Review *
A 'go with me' guide to make it easier to approach the vast poetry shelves in your favorite bookstore. -- Christopher Flannery * Claremont Review of Books *
In this rich book, Joseph Parisi shows once and for all that modern poetry is not an obscure byway or a specialized discipline, but the latest chapter in poetry's ancient quest to delight and instruct. Every reader will find poems here to learn and to love. -- Adam Kirsch
A recommended collection. -- Donna Seaman * Booklist *
This volume should wind up being used in the very classrooms where appreciation of poetry and creative writing are taught. -- James Brown * The Washington Times *
Every time I lay eyes on it I can't help picking it up-even if it is for the hundredth time. * Kliatt *
As a rich, concise education in modern poetry this book can scarcely be surpassed. -- Peter Walpole * Virginia Quarterly Review *
The fun's in the surprises. * Fort Worth Star-Telegram *
These are great poems. -- Katie Peterson * Chicago Tribune *



Book Information
ISBN 9781566636124
Author Joseph Parisi
Format Hardback
Page Count 320
Imprint Ivan R Dee, Inc
Publisher Ivan R Dee, Inc
Weight(grams) 569g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 156mm * 28mm