Poetry Picks

the rattle bag

The Rattle Bag: An Anthology of Poetry

Ted Hughes and Seamus Heaney.

"A must for anyone who likes poetry." Melvyn Bragg, Sunday Times

An ideal introduction to poetry.

oxford book of english verse

Oxford Book Of English Verse

Christopher Ricks.

"Ricks has an exceptionally sharp but benevolent eye for what is canonical, and also for what might shine, were the dust blown off it..." Andrew Motion, Financial Times

A classic collection of English poetry.

up the line to death war poets

Up the Line to Death: War Poets, 1914-18

Brian Gardner.

"It is all here, the mud and rats of the trenches, the hellish noise of the bombardment, the insane waste of life, the high heroism and the bitter cynicism" Illustrated London News

A comprehensive anthology of WW1 poetry.

norton anthology of poetry

The Norton Anthology of Poetry

Mary Jo Salter.

"You could spend the rest of your life reading this canon!"

1,828 poems from 334 poets; a comprehensive poetry anthology.

victorian poetry anthology

Victorian Poetry: An Annotated Anthology

Francis O'Gorman.

"This is an excellent guide to the poetry of the period, and a teaching tool of obvious integrity, offering both help where it is needed and the kind of challenges that are essential to a meaningful learning experience." Modern Language Review

A fully illustrated and annotated anthology of Victorian poetry.