United States of Poetry »

The United States of Poetry combines images from the breakthrough TV series on which it is based with over 80 poems to reveal this nation as never before. It is the first anthology to capture the passion, intelligence, and variety of the New Poetry that is sweeping the country. Three years in the making, including a 10-week, 13,000-mile road trip to film the poets on their own turf, this book is for everyone with a love for the power of the word. The United States of Poetry will inspire and delight as it unveils a new nation, conceived in language, and dedicated to the proposition that you don't have to turn off your mind to have a good time. From renowned Nobel Laureates (Brodsky, Milosz, Walcott) to rock 'n' rollers (Lou Reed, Leonard Cohen), from the Beats (Ginsberg, Baraka, Ferlinghetti) to cowboy poets, rappers, and former President Jimmy Carter, this book is a feast of language and image, energy and meaning. Here, the disparate and unheard languages of our country - pidgin, Spanish, hip-hop, Creole, Tagalog, and American sign Language - speak out for themselves, weave together the accents and dialects of our nation.

School Library Journal

YAThis collection of 80 poems is representative of the type of poetry showcased on public television's "The United States of Poetry." Based on the premise that poetry reflects the culture of our nation, it combines the works of Nobel Laureates, rock n' rollers, Beats, cowboy poets, rappers, and even former presidents. The varying styles, voices, and ideas incorporated into this anthology provide readers with a view of America that is new and fresh, portraying poetry in a similar fashion. Students will be particularly impressed with the photographs, illustrations, and collages that accompany the selections. Chronicling a visual as well as literary diversity of American society, the editors have collected works that center around themes such as "The Land and the People," "Day in the Life," "The American Dream," "Love and Sex," "The Word," and "Portraits." Teachers will find this book to be an excellent resource for developing lesson plans and for prompting discussion on imagery. A title that will have great appeal for YAs interested in pursuing a casual or more in-depth study of poetry.Ron Axelrod, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA