What are some good poetry books for advanced poetry writers?

5 Responses to What are some good poetry books for advanced poetry writers?

1. Agent M

   September 28, 2011 at 2:56 am

   There isn’t many very good how to books for poetry – it is hard to really TEACH a very varied/small/and unique fine art. Really I’ve found the best way of learning is going to different literary magazines. And finding those that post poetry in your style and read. You can find great lists of them on duotrope.com.

   You may even be able to attend poetry workshops or join poetry/writing clubs in your area or school. They’ll suggest good exercises and give you people to bounce things off of. Really, that is what all books I’ve read have suggested in the end is that you need loads of feedback and reading out loud and such.

   But as for your request:
   http://www.amazon.com/Write-Tight-Prose-Focused-Concise/dp/1882926889/ref=cm_lmf_tit_4

   http://www.amazon.com/Palm-Your-Hand-Portable-Workshop/dp/0884481492/ref=cm_lmf_tit_9

   http://www.amazon.com/Book-Forms-Handbook-Poetics/dp/1584650222/ref=cm_lmf_tit_20

   http://www.amazon.com/Practice-Poetry-Writing-Exercises-Poets/dp/006273024X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277471438&sr=8-2

   http://www.amazon.com/Portable-Creative-Writing-Writers-Workshop/dp/1582973504/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277471531&sr=8-9

   One of the best books to read which is not exactly a how to on poetry but more a how to on living and writing in general is Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird. :) You will like it if you are very poetic in thought.

   http://www.amazon.com/Bird-Some-Instructions-Writing-Life/dp/0385480016/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277471709&sr=8-3
2. Richard B

   September 28, 2011 at 3:18 am

   Hi M,

   For me, poetry doesn’t have to fit into a gauge or mold. There are textbooks for teaching proper grammar and punctuation, and the harder to define tools and techniques of poetic expression. The advanced study guides tend to focus on one style, or one poet. However, I don’t lay a template over a poem in order to score its worth. I let the ideas speak to me.

   So, in my personal experience, it is better to read the poetry and let the phrases and themes bombard me.

   A few months ago, I picked up a 2003 book, SAID THE SHOTGUN TO THE HEAD by Saul Williams. It was surprisingly fresh and exciting.

   Look around. Check the library.

   Sara Teasdale
   William Carlos Williams
   Ogden Nash
   E.E. Cummings
3. classmate

   September 28, 2011 at 3:37 am

   Any of these books might be the sort of thing you’re looking for:

   “The Poetry Home Repair Manual: Practical Advice for Beginning Poets” by Ted Kooser

   “The Poet’s Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures of Writing Poetry” by Kim Addonizio and Dorianne Laux

   “A Poetry Handbook” by Mary Oliver

   “The Ode Less Traveled” by Stephen Fry

   “Rhyme’s Reason” by John Hollander
4. Woah that's crazy.

   September 28, 2011 at 3:54 am

   I would go with the other answers. I do ask though, since you have won awards and such, that would you please tell me your thoughts on some of my poems?

   Please, http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Asc8dMIdO5fTxiMClejHMsfsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20100624093600AA4yW9m
5. Eugene

   September 28, 2011 at 4:37 am

   Here’s one that I picked up two years ago at a used book sale.

   THE LYRIC POTENTIAL, Arrangements and Techniques in Poetry, Miller/Hayden/O’Neal, 1974 Scott, Foresman and Co.