Subjects:  1. American - African American    2. American - General    3. Angelou, Maya - Poems & Criticism    4. General    5. Poetry    6. Poetry / General   

Editorial Review

Brought together for the first time here are all of Maya Angelou's published poems -- including "On the Pulse of Morning," her inaugural poem -- in a handsome hardcover edition. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Excellent collection of Maya Angelou's works
I was so happy to find this collection of poetry and writings in one book by Maya Angelou.I find her work so uplifting and her writings cut to the core of humanity and show life as it is.It is real and not all glossed over and it goes right to your heart.Beautiful work...a pleasure to own.A work that I will read again and again.

Poetry that I can understand and identify with!
Maya Angelou's poems are wonderful.You can understand and grasp her meaning while she is not afraid to tell it like it is.Her poetry speaks to the heart of every woman no matter the race.When you read her poems you are not merely reading words but you feel the words and are surrounded by their message.I only wished I could have studied her poetry in high school and college.She is truly magnificent!

Poetry is what you make of it...
I only write this because I love this author more than any other and feel the need to defend this book from the critics who wrote the other reviews on it. I feel that poetry is what you make of it. If you can relate to what the poet is saying, what does it matter if they didn't follow specific guidelines that universities try to teach people who probably lack the free-form. Which is what I consider this book. Free-form poetry. So, yes,if you're only reading the book for an assignment or trying to analyze it into a specific form of poetry, you might be disappointed. However, if you are reading it in leisure or to connect with someone who can beautifully express some of our emotions and events of life, you won't be disappointed. That is if you can relate to it. As with all poetry, it will mean more to you if you can understand where the poet is coming from and connect that with your own emotions and personal experiences. From the time that I picked up this book over a decade ago, I have loved it! I hardly ever take the time to go back and re-read anything. I figure, once read, the most important of the knowledge is there and to move on, but I have read and re-read this book more times than I can remember! For me, it's full of emotion. I feel that in it's free-form, it's beautifully written. I could only ever hope to create a book as outstanding as this one, and I often compare my own free-form to hers.Once again, it's an outstanding book if you can relate to it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - African American    2. Angelou, Maya - Poems & Criticism    3. Poetry    4. Poetry / General   

Reviews (10)

A Gift For One Of My Wonderful Sisters
I did not get to read this book myself as it was a belated Christmas gift for one of my wonderful sisters, and she loves anything by Maya Angelou.I am pleased to say that she was absolutely delighted and said this was the most beautiful poem she had ever read.

Britney Spears and Maya Angelou
I have the sneaking suspicion that the same team of writers behind Britney Spears platinum single "Hit Me Baby One More Time," also wrote Maya Angelou's bestselling poem "Amazing Peace,"
so disappointing
It's commonly accepted that the Christmas holiday season has become the annual highpoint of consumerism in America, but how sad that this short-sighted foolishness extends so far into the upper echelons of even our literary establishment.Maya Angelou's 2005 holiday book is a good example."Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem" did phenomenal sales in its first month of publication and is guaranteed to be a staple of holiday display tables in bookstores for years to come.It's a tiny hardcover book that will run you $9.95.Yet this poem is just 300 to 400 words (about the number of words on 1 page in an average novel) and is liberally stretched here to cover a grand total of 11 pages.And sadly, it's not even much of a poem.The book uses the holiday to make an uninspired call for peace--an admirable sentiment surely, but one can find dozens of Christmas carols that have more beauty in a single line than this entire book.And, finally, what does the love of peace have to do with cashing in on Christmas by means of a dull little poem? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - African American    2. American - General    3. Angelou, Maya - Poems & Criticism    4. Christmas    5. Peace    6. Poetry    7. Poetry / General   

Reviews (13)

Pure Bosh
What a deep, deep woman this Maya Angelou is. At least this book ADMITS it's for little kids, unlike a lot of her other work.

an art book for parents and children
This book is vibrant in both sight and sound.Basquiat's images fly off the page as do Angelou's words.Despite the brevity of the poetry, it is not a quick read.Time is spent looking at and discussing the artwork, and how it and the poetry interrelate with life.A 1st grader's art appreciation course in practice.Excellent for the living room coffee table.

Nourish your child's intellect... cautiously
As an adult and a student, I was truly enchanted by this unique concatenation of Maya Angelou's spirited, optimistic poetry and Jean-Michel Basquiat's bold, explosive paintings."Life" is less a story than an affirmation - the child narrator (whose gender is left to the imagination) lists a dozen or so items that could be causes for concern in young child's mind, but then conquers these fears with "They don't frighten me at all."Equally impressive are the brief, but detailed biographical sketches of both artists that closes the book.Read more

Subjects:  1. American poetry    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children's poetry, American    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Fear    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile poetry    9. Poetry    10. Poetry - General    11. Preschool Nursery Rhymes / Poetry    12. Angelou, Maya    13. Basquiat, Jean Michel    14. English literature: poetry texts & anthologies    15. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    16. Juvenile Nonfiction / Poetry / General    17. Works by individual poets: from c 1900 -   

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Subjects:  1. American - General    2. Angelou, Maya - Poems & Criticism    3. General    4. Poetry    5. Poetry / General   

Reviews (14)

Be Your Own Woman!!
Whether you are tall, thin, heavy, young, old, beautiful, ugly; we are all our own phenomenal woman!!!! Each of us has our own power within ourselves to shine and be our own wonderful person. Maya Angelou's own life, reaches within and brings us to this point with her words.

Uplifting Book for Women
I heard Oprah recite the title poem at her workshop and had to have it. It is a great little book and would make a nice gift for a 'phenomenal woman'

Great as a gift or for yourself
What a wonderful collection of poems celebrating women.This book of four very soulful, strong, empowering poems has quickly become a favorite.I would recommend this book as a gift for any woman.Or better yet, buy it for yourself - you won't regret it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - African American    2. Angelou, Maya - Poems & Criticism    3. Poetry    4. Women    5. Poetry / General    6. Works by individual poets: from c 1900 -   

Reviews (13)

And Still IRise is next to Kipling's'IF 'and "Invictus'
...Invictus is by William E. Henley......I do not like much poetry.....but 'Still I Rise', is one of the most moving andpowerful pieces of literature of our day. You can feel the rumblings of motivation rising within you as you read it---it summons the power of our ancestors as you read it... YOU FEEL this poem with all your heart--or I fear you have no heart and you remember that feeling for years after you have read it!
"StillI Rise" and Rising
This book is filled with wonderful, powerful poetry that really awakened me to the troubles of African Americans in that time of history. Diego Rivera's paintings in the book are staggering and breathtaking. This is a must-see for any ameteur or lover of poetry.

The Best So Far
The title says it all.I love this poem.It's Maya's best so far.And I love the combination of the poetry and artwork.I hope she chooses to do this more often.A superb book created by a superb woman! ***** ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. American - African American    3. Poetry    4. English    5. English literature: essays, letters & other non-fiction prose works    6. English literature: literary criticism    7. Poetry / General    8. USA   

Editorial Review

This collection includes more than 100 unabridged poems from three previously released volumes: Read more

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Reviews (3)

Wonderful, just the best.
Fantastic, better still by the fact of it being read by the great lady her self.

Maya Angelou Poetry Collection RH 782 Audio Books,

Treat Yourself to this Poetic Feast
AUDIOBOOK REVIEWPoetry The Maya Angelou Poetry Collection. 4 cassettes; 115 minutes; 106 poems.Random House Audio Publishing, Inc.1999. $19.95. Read more

Subjects:  1. American - General    2. Audio Adult: Other    3. Audiobooks    4. General    5. Poetry    6. Unabridged Audio - Drama/Poetry    7. Poetry / Single Author / American   

Reviews (3)

phenomenal woman
Phenomenal Woman is an AMAZING poem that has touched so many females, showing that it is not whats on the outsidethat counts. showing that you dont have to be pretty or skinny to be phenomenal. this poem is one of my favorites because it made me stop worrying about what people think of me. i love this poem because when i am feeling ugly or fat i can read this poem and it will make me feel so much better.

PHENOMENAL WOMAN - PHENOMENAL MAYA
Phenomenal Woman is a "sassy", provocative, intriguing, and alluring poem.Dr. Angelou delves into the soul of every woman and reaches up with the truth.I have admired Dr. Angelou since I read her autobiography (I Know why the Caged Bird Sings, et al.) since my high school days.She truly is an inspiration! Thank you, Maya!

Fabulous combination of poetry and art!
What makes this book so unique and fabulous is the combination of Maya Angelou's "phenomenal poem" and Paul Gauguin's exotic paintings.It's unbelievable how well the two art forms go together.I've lost countof how many times I've read the book.I just keep going back to reread thepoem and stare at the pictures....It's a great gift idea for agirlfriend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - African American    2. American - General    3. Poetry    4. Women    5. American English    6. Painting & paintings    7. Poetry / Single Author / American    8. Works by individual poets: from c 1900 -   

Reviews (7)

Captures the love you have for your baby, perfectly.
I have never written a review, I'm the person who always reads but never writes.I saw that this book didn't have 5 stars average so I had to review it. Becoming a mother is the most miraculous and blessed thing that has ever happened to me - most Mothers will agree. This book pulled at my heart as it captured that love between me and my Son so perfectly. I read this book and cry every time. I will buy this book for each of my friends as they have their first children. Never has a book been so meaningful to me.

It's Maya
You have to love Maya Angelou. I've been reading a lot of poetry lately. This one here and "Art of Innocence" by L.R.Hatcher. Two great books that I recommend.

DR. MAYA'S A GRANDEST WORK FROM THE HEART!
If you have followed Dr. Maya Angelou in all the years that I have followed her worksince younghood, you may not get what is happening here. Maya has claimed her rights of passage from youth to a seasoned mature adult who has stood the test of time, survived all obstacles and is still standing. A book any longer than 10 pages would not resemble the message of this great poet of our time. Perhaps, it is a silent protest we know nothing about and never will. Dr. Maya Angelou is 78 years old. If she writes another full book it will take all she can give. She is well to all who see her, but to friends and family, we see that gloss in her eye, the slowness of her stride these days, andwill power to talk when in pain. We must treasure these moments and wish Dr. Maya the strength to keep going until she is one hundred. She was meant to span a century and is deserving of peace, plenty of rest and I hope everything her heart desires in life and even it is just to still be admired for her work as a poet. This is the MAYA we know and love. THIS WOMAN'S WORK!is meant to be written as her destiny has been planned. Can you imagine carpal tunnel syndrome, an aching leg from being one of the greatest dancers, all of those movies she's produced...people she's helped, speeches she's completed and places she's traveled, not to mention her struggle for the intellectual rise of Black people in this nation. She paved the way for so many and like Jesus who was admired and than cast and stoned, I am routing for Dr. Maya to not have to succumb to society's way of destroying the ambition of successful Black Americans. Dr. Maya Shall NOT be moved. Listen, be wise and learn from MOTHER. I see a message, but one has to stand very still and LISTEN!!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Poetry / General    3. Poetry    4. American - General   

Reviews (7)

Captures the love you have for your baby, perfectly.
I have never written a review, I'm the person who always reads but never writes.I saw that this book didn't have 5 stars average so I had to review it. Becoming a mother is the most miraculous and blessed thing that has ever happened to me - most Mothers will agree. This book pulled at my heart as it captured that love between me and my Son so perfectly. I read this book and cry every time. I will buy this book for each of my friends as they have their first children. Never has a book been so meaningful to me.

It's Maya
You have to love Maya Angelou. I've been reading a lot of poetry lately. This one here and "Art of Innocence" by L.R.Hatcher. Two great books that I recommend.

DR. MAYA'S A GRANDEST WORK FROM THE HEART!
If you have followed Dr. Maya Angelou in all the years that I have followed her worksince younghood, you may not get what is happening here. Maya has claimed her rights of passage from youth to a seasoned mature adult who has stood the test of time, survived all obstacles and is still standing. A book any longer than 10 pages would not resemble the message of this great poet of our time. Perhaps, it is a silent protest we know nothing about and never will. Dr. Maya Angelou is 78 years old. If she writes another full book it will take all she can give. She is well to all who see her, but to friends and family, we see that gloss in her eye, the slowness of her stride these days, andwill power to talk when in pain. We must treasure these moments and wish Dr. Maya the strength to keep going until she is one hundred. She was meant to span a century and is deserving of peace, plenty of rest and I hope everything her heart desires in life and even it is just to still be admired for her work as a poet. This is the MAYA we know and love. THIS WOMAN'S WORK!is meant to be written as her destiny has been planned. Can you imagine carpal tunnel syndrome, an aching leg from being one of the greatest dancers, all of those movies she's produced...people she's helped, speeches she's completed and places she's traveled, not to mention her struggle for the intellectual rise of Black people in this nation. She paved the way for so many and like Jesus who was admired and than cast and stoned, I am routing for Dr. Maya to not have to succumb to society's way of destroying the ambition of successful Black Americans. Dr. Maya Shall NOT be moved. Listen, be wise and learn from MOTHER. I see a message, but one has to stand very still and LISTEN!!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Poetry / General    3. Poetry    4. American - General   

Reviews (3)

Wonderful Book of Poetry
This fantastic book of verse and poetry is a must read. It's filled with golden nuggets. I keep a copy in my car for inspirational reading. One of the most moving poems is "Still I Rise." The words of this poem remind us that the spirit is capable of rising above all odds and obstacles. Allowing for normal reflection of our youth is "Harlem Hopscotch." One cannot help but reflect on the days of sidewalk games, acting cool, and getting to sing and to hop. The poem allows us to recall such fun days. Having intestinal fortitude is shown in "Just Like Job." It reminds us that even though life is a struggle, victory is there when we call upon God our creator. He hears our pleas and attends to our needs. This book is one of encouragement and motivation. As a result, it relaxes the soul.
Ten stars.
Some poets, many poets, are hard to understand, and are downright boring. I have several poets that I love, and Maya is one of them. Black, white, whatever. They should have made us read her in High School. If we had, Iwould have gotten into poetry much sooner. This book should get 10 stars.

absolutely magnificent
i am 15 and have not yet finished this wonderful book, but i'm loving every minute of it so far. Still I Rise is by far my favorite. I never realized a single poem could hold such inspiration and strength. A bookthat should be read by everyone of all ages and colors. Many thanks to MayaAngelou for such lovely poems. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - African American    2. Poetry    3. Modern fiction    4. Poetry / Single Author / General   

Editorial Review

In this first of five volumes of autobiography, poet Maya Angelou recounts a youth filled with disappointment, frustration, tragedy, and finally hard-won independence. Sent at a young age to live with her grandmother in Arkansas, Angelou learned a great deal from this exceptional woman and the tightly knit black community there. These very lessons carried her throughout the hardships she endured later in life, including a tragic occurrence while visiting her mother in St. Louis and her formative years spent in California--where an unwanted pregnancy changed her life forever. Marvelously told, with Angelou's "gift for language and observation," this "remarkable autobiography by an equally remarkable black woman from Arkansas captures, indelibly, a world of which most Americans are shamefully ignorant." ... Read more

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Reviews (285)

Intersectionality as described by Maya Angelou
In her autobiographical novel, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou recounts her life story as a young, keenly intelligent but insecure black girl in the South during the 1930s and California during the 1940s. The book conveys the difficulties associated with the mixture of racial and gender discrimination endured by a southern black girl, though, and this is perhaps the most fundamental theme explored in her autobiography. The intersectionality of race and gender is a pivotal thread of Angelou's theme, where more than one type of subjugation results in a multiple burden for the victim. Overall, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings is a powerful, stirring account of the intersectionality of race and gender regarding black women. Though segregation had been officially declared null and void, many of the Southern states were steeped in racist tendencies that further multiplied the gender inequality that exposed black women to a multi-faceted oppression. Peiss, Hine, Terborg-Penn, Bederman, et. al. all examine threads of this intersectionality, and in discussing these threads, one can draw a distinct comparison between anti-black, anti-black women sentiment and Angelou's personal experiences. As a girl, Angelou believed her gender to be a limiting factor. She considered herself to be unheroic, and incapable of achieving spectacular feats like the boys in her comic books. In the narrative, being female for Angelou is just as trying as being black, and she struggled with the double burden, rather than embracing it. However, as more and more black women slowly overcame their troubles as a result of the overwhelming intersectionality of the time, so did Angelou. The novel ended with hope because she bucks the stereotype to become the first black female streetcar conductor. Angelou's spike in confidence and belief in her ability reflects the gradual evolution of black women's race and gender after decades of imprisonment, and foreshadows a future of activism, struggle for respect and eventual victory in those regards.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
The Essence of Dreams...The Creativeness of Silence...The Fortitude of Love...
If only this scale had negatives...
Never before has such a poorly written book received such acclaim. Maya Angelou wrote this story not with candor and grace but with a bias rarely allowed to sit on shelves let alone the top of a best-seller list. She was not humorous but had a heinousness of character and action that places her beyond the limits of human pity. This "inspiring author" did not demonstrate poignancy and depth but the crude rudiments of writing skill below that found in the essays of a primary school student.
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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    2. American - General    3. Audio - Autobiography / Biography    4. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Discrimination & Racism    7. Literary    8. People of Color    9. Poetry / General   

Reviews (3)

A Reigning Queen of Writers
In this 1990 volume of 48 pages, you will read in lyrical verse everything you need to know about oppression of Black people, by one of our finest writers. Angelou herself, now 78, has risen above bigotry, but hasn't, nor shouldn't, forget about it. It is the black person's legacy ("These Yet to Be United States") and the white person's shame. Author of the highly-acclaimed autobiography, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," Angelou sings about slave days, "take me on, Virginia, loose your turban of flowers" and in "The Grandmothers" speaks the title words, "I shall not be moved," a peon to the bravery of the black woman and the cruelty she has endured since captivity. This book should be read by every schoolteacher to her Ghetto children.

EXPERIENCE SOMETHING NEW......................
I Shall Not Be Movedby Maya Angelou Great Poetry, Angelou is by far the best Poet alive
I have read every poem in this collection at least 50 times, no exateration, and they are great.One of these poems, Equailty, I have used for a high school poetry thesis, I made an "A".Even though this collection is from 1990 it is still update! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - African American    2. People of Color    3. Poetry    4. Biography & Autobiography / People of Color   

Reviews (1)

inspiring and eloquently beautiful
on the pulse of morning ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - African American    2. Angelou, Maya - Poems & Criticism    3. Inauguration Day    4. Poetry    5. Poetry / General   

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Reviews (2)

What a miracolous authur/poet
I am a resident of Charleston Southcarolina.I have read other books by Mya Angelou, she is an amazing poet and I would oneday be exactly like her.This is a great book and I enjoy reading it.I am currently writing my poetry book and I am so inspired by her words and how she elegantly put them together.How she expresses her feelings in her poetry, it almost make you feel that you are in her poetry.Only a true authur can make you feel that way.i express my thoughts this way in an purpose that when you read this review,that you would know that Mya Angelou has made an impact on my life that no matter what I do or say it is of great knowledge that I have to keep on keeping on.

Mya Angelou Book Review
This book could be an inspiring collection of poems for one who likes them, and takes them in deeply. I don't understand some of them very well, but this collection of poems was well put together, making it easy for just about anyone to relate to. This collection show us her talent to make a rhythmical story outof her past, and present life. This is a book that you will remember because of its good choices of words to use and pointers it hands out about expiriences in life and how to handle them. It is a collection of thirty-six poems celebrating all that she has lived through expressing her love, hatred, unleashing her memories and thoughts and putting them down on paper and making it sound beautiful. It shows you what the african american life was like without so many words and not so boring. Some are so greatly detailed you can make out photographic pictures of what you think it could have been like in the situations she has written down in her book.This is a great book and I would recommend it to everyone that reads poetry. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Drama/Poetry    2. American - African American    3. Audio Adult: Other    4. Audiobooks    5. Unabridged Audio - Drama/Poetry    6. Poetry / General   

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Reviews (32)

Wisdom, Inspiration, & Reflection
Maya Angelou is a prolific writer, and this book is more proof of that. This book was given to me by Maureen A. Fay, during her final year as President of the University of Detroit Mercy, my alma mater.
Dead End
Every once in a while I like to pick up a book that is outside the realm of usual reading, and look for a surprise, or spark to keep the fires of imagination from dying out - it is with this mindset I picked up "Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now."And what did I find as a result of my maverick literary exploration?Ehh...
Question about Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now
I have a 12 year old that I'm introducing to Maya Angelou. Any thoughts on whether this would be age appropriate? Thanks.Sorry I put 3 stars when I am not familiar with the material. It wouldn't let me exit without entering something. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy    2. American - African American & Black    3. American - General    4. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    5. Essays    6. General    7. Inspirational - General    8. Literary Collections    9. Specimens    10. Talking books    11. Poetry / General   

Reviews (19)

A Difficult and Bitter Lesson
GATHER TOGETHER IN MY NAME is a difficult book to read.Oh, not because of Angelou's syntax, vocabulary or sentence structure.On the contrary, she writes in a clear, direct style that, if anything, may be a little too unembellished for some readers' pleasure.Now and then, to convey an effect more distinctly to the reader, her words suggest the patois of the speaker whom she is quoting.But no, the difficulty does not lie in the words, but rather in the message.It is painful to experience, even vicariously, the feelings of entrapment, abandonment, and repeated failure that Angelou presents to us.It is frustrating to see her heading from one failed endeavor to another, from one jilting to another, from one desperate attempt "to find her niche" to another.
"Find your innocence..." And never lose it again!!!
There were times as I was reading this book that I cringed and thought to myself "How could she be so stupid." But I had to remind myself of her tender age in this story. She did a lot of things at a young age that many of us may never do in our entire lifetime. Prostitution, Pimping and drugs. This book had so much purpose and that's why I call it "One of the best book that I read all year". It's written like a novel so it doesn't come off preachy or like a self help book. Maya Angelou tells a portion of her story. She uncovers layers of clothing and bares the naked truth of her young adulthood. To me this is not just a story of a black woman and a black womans struggles; this is a story about hard knocks and people of all races and nationalities experience them. "Rita" felt like she had to make her own way, she felt like she needed all of the answers at once. No one was going to take care of her and son.And at the same time, while she felt the burdens of independence, she also felt the emptieness and lonlieness that we all feel some time or another just because we are human. "Rita" made a lot of poor decisions, but that's not the reason that we know her today. We don't know her because she was once a madam on the West Coast, or a prostitute in Stockton, or a cook in Oakland. We know her because she found God's plan for her life and stuck with it.

Possibly the Best Biograhphy I've ever read
I always as a little girl looked up to Maya Angelou, I always thought she was wonderful. But I didn't know why she was such a wonderful person. Now I understand why. So what if she was a prositute , she had a good reason . She was in love and young. You only live once.I look at life differently now since I read the book. It showed me just because somebody does something it doesn't make them a bad person but they have a reason. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. African American authors    3. American - General    4. Angelou, Maya    5. Authors, American    6. Biography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Entertainers    9. General    10. Poetry    11. United States    12. Biography & Autobiography / General    13. Biography: general   

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• Illustrated

Subjects:  1. Poetry    2. Poetry anthologies: from c 1900 -    3. Ancient, Classical & Medieval   

Subjects:  1. American - General    2. Poetry