A Poetry Handbook

Purchased it for a graduation gift for my granddaughter along with another poem book of inspiration. She enjoys both books.

Mary Oliver is a well-known, distinguished poet. Her book "A Poetry Handbook" was recommended to me by a professor from my current MFA Poetry program and it has been both a surprise, and a confirmation that poets themselves (not academics and critics) have the deepest insight into how to write a good poem. Oliver suggests that poetry is like a current ready to flow through you. It is not merely "an acquisition," a skill, or something outside yourself - but more a combination of punctuality in "showing up" to do the work, and an opening of the heart (or,as Oliver calls it: "that shy factory of the emotion.")Each chapter addresses component parts of poetry writing: line, sound, diction, imagery, voice and more. Oliver's choice of poets: Whitman, Bishop, James Wright, Frost, Pound, are all strong choices, their poems providing supportive examples of her discussion of craft.Most importantly, however, she provides the best piece of advise in her opening chapters: read, read, read poems. To be a good poet, you must read a range of poetry, spanning history and geography and style. And after that, Oliver provides the surprise (a heady permission I learned in my very early years of writing which has held fast through many moments of flagging confidence and motivation) "Imitate." We read, we imitate, and from this process we find our own voice and style. As Oliver tells us: "It demands finally, a thrust of our own imagination - a force, a new idea - to make sure that we don't merely copy, but inherit, and proceed from what we have learned."Though beautifully simple and straightforward, I would not categorize this book as being for any particular level of writer: beginner, or accomplished. The beginner will learn well and happily, and the more accomplished writer will find again and again, much needed resonance for the continuing passion of writing poetry.

Interesting and helpful read for a new or experienced poet. Highly recommend.

Every type of writer would improve their craft from the content here.Poetry as with all writing is to convey an idea..

I learned lots of tips for improving my own poetry and appreciating that of others. Highly recommend.

Good price!

exactly what you need to get your poetry game on yo

I sooo did not want to teach my kids poetry! I had a wonderful teacher when I was in high school many years ago, but I have forgotten a lot. I almost skipped teaching poetry altogether, which would have felt like homeschool malpractice. I got this book based on Amazon reviews, and it has sat on the shelf for the past several months. I finally picked it up and read the first section. Short, very approachable, and very engaging. We have been working through the book bit by bit and have been gaining the confidence that, I believe, will eventually lead to actually writing poetry. The writing in the book is excellent, which is a powerful selling point for studying poetry. Where I was previously afraid of exploring poetry with my kids, I see that, for the education I have in mind for my kids, including poetry will be essential. I'm so glad I found this book!