Poetry

The Iliad (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) by Homer Translated by Robert Fagles, this epic poem remains a powerful exploration of the human experience, conveying the horrors and heroism of war through the lens of ancient Greek culture. The story of the...

The Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke is a comprehensive collection of the renowned Austrian poet's most celebrated works in English.Featuring a wide range of poems that showcase Rilke's unique style and depth, this volume is widely regarded as the...

Rilke's Selected Poems offers a comprehensive collection of the poet's work, spanning his development from the early 20th century to the 1920s. This bilingual edition brings together a wide range of poems, including the Duino Elegies and the Sonnets to...

The Canterbury Tales is a masterful collection of stories that showcase the diversity and richness of medieval England. Written in the 14th century, this iconic work of English literature features a series of tales told by a group of pilgrims from...

Shadi Bartsch presents a fresh translation of Vergil's epic poem, bringing the ancient world to life in modern English.This new translation by a renowned classicist and scholar of Latin literature offers a unique perspective on a timeless masterpiece,...

Frank O'Hara's Meditations in an Emergency is a collection of poems that showcase the voice of one of the twentieth century's most influential poets.Written in a unique and accessible style, these poems explore the human experience and the world around...

Every Word You Cannot Say is a poignant and powerful exploration of the human need to express ourselves, even when it's difficult. The author invites you to listen to the words that are hard to say, and to consider the transformative power of...

Words of joy, love, devotion and celebration are at the heart of this beautiful collection of poems, prose extracts, prayers and songs. Julia Watson brings together a rich and varied selection of readings from world-renowned poets, bards, playwrights and...

Orlando Furioso Part One is a foundational work of Italian Renaissance literature, weaving a complex narrative of love, enchantment, and adventure. At its core, the poem tells the story of Count Orlando's quest for the beautiful Angelica, whose capture...

The Wickedest is a vibrant and immersive poetry collection that captures the essence of a legendary monthly house party known as 'The Wickedest'. Through a vivid cast of characters, Caleb Femi explores the institution of shoobs or house parties and their...

Published in 2015, this collection of poetry offers a powerful and poignant portrayal of life in the trenches during World War I. The poems, written by Wilfred Owen, capture the horrors and struggles of those who served in the war.Little Black Classics,...

Experience the profound and beautiful poetry of Dante Alighieri's Paradiso, a collection of cantos that capture the essence of happiness and love.Part of the Little Black Classics series, this edition brings together 46 new books celebrating the first...

Wrong Norma is a collection of writings by Anne Carson, exploring a diverse range of subjects, including literature, philosophy, and personal experience.The pieces in this book are not linked, and Carson has chosen to call them "wrong" due to their...

Sylvia Plath's Collected Poems is a comprehensive collection of her most significant and enduring works. Edited by Ted Hughes, this volume brings together a wide range of poems that showcase Plath's unique voice and style.Published in 1989, this first...

Autumn Journal is a poignant and introspective account of the author's experiences during a pivotal period in history. Written between August and December 1938, this journal chronicles the author's emotional and intellectual journey as he navigates the...

Dante's Inferno is a collection of ten memorable and terrifying cantos from the poet's epic work. This edition brings together some of the most striking and evocative passages from the poem, offering a glimpse into the author's vision of the afterlife...

Unashamed is a collection of poems that chronicles the journey of Harry Baker, from uncertainty to success, as he navigates his passion for poetry and its intersection with mathematics. The book brings together sold-out show performances and new work,...

The Unfolding by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer In this powerful collection of poems, Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer explores the complexities of the human heart, finding beauty and wonder in the midst of sorrow and loss. Written after the passing of her son and...

Lara is a powerful semi-autobiographical novel-in-verse that explores the complexities of identity and belonging. The story follows the life of Lara, a mixed-race girl raised in a white suburb of London, as she navigates her way through childhood, early...

Warning When I Am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple A defiant and cleverly expressed poem, 'Warning' has become a beloved favourite around the world. Written in 1961, its declaration of independence continues to appeal to those who yearn to break free...

Maya Angelou's poetry is a profound exploration of the human experience, encompassing themes of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of dignity. This comprehensive collection brings together every inspiring word of her verse, offering a powerful and...

By stepping out to look, Kathleen Jamie reveals the hidden connections between our domestic realities and the natural world. In her unique and evocative travelogues, she weaves together themes of landscape, nature, and the human experience.From the hills...

The Luckiest Guy Alive is a new collection of poetry from John Cooper Clarke, the godfather of British performance poetry. This brilliant, scabrous, and hilarious book showcases Clarke's signature style, with stunning set pieces and tried-and-tested...

Thomas Hardy is a poet who found his voice after a long career as a novelist. Born in Dorset in 1840, he worked as an apprentice to an architect before turning to writing. His poetry was not widely known until after his final novel, The Well-beloved, was...

Christina Rossetti's poetry is a vital part of English literary heritage, offering a unique perspective on the human experience. This collection, with an introduction and notes by Katherine McGowran, presents a comprehensive overview of Rossetti's work,...

Greek Lyric Poetry: The Poems and Fragments of the Greek Iambic, Elegiac, and Melic Poets (excluding Pindar and Bacchylides) Down to 450 BC This collection of poetry from ancient Greece offers a unique glimpse into the lives and experiences of some of...

A poignant farewell from the last hedgehog on earth, beautifully illustrated by Alice Tait, celebrates National Hedgehog Awareness Week. This delightful poem by Pam Ayres is a humorous and thought-provoking elegy to the common hedgehog, highlighting the...

Basho's haiku poems capture the natural world with simplicity and delicacy of feeling. In "The Narrow Road to the Deep North", he describes his travels through Japan, seeking spiritual enlightenment. The book combines poetry and prose, exploring the...

Lays of Ancient Rome Epic Poems by Thomas Babington Macaulay This collection of lyrical ballads reimagines the epic tales of Rome's storied past, weaving together history and poetic form in a rich tapestry of language and narrative. Written in the early...

Dylan Thomas's Collected Poems, 1934-1953 offers a profound exploration of life's complexities, from the exhilaration of birth to the darkness of mortality. The poet's own introduction, a passionate and evocative 'Prologue', sets the tone for this...

The Odyssey is a timeless epic poem that explores the human experience through the journey of its hero. Written in iambic pentameter verse, this translation brings a fresh and authoritative voice to Homer's ancient tale of shipwrecks, monsters, and magic...

Fierce Fairytales & Other Stories to Stir Your Soul by Nikita Gill is a bold reimagining of traditional tales. This empowering collection of stories, poems and beautiful hand-drawn illustrations challenges the status quo, presenting strong and complex...

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a thrilling and accessible translation of the medieval poem. The story begins with a mysterious encounter between a knight and a green-clad figure, who challenges one of the Round Table's members to a wager. Gawain...

This collection of 150 poems by Malcolm Guite is a poetic companion to the 150 psalms, each one written in response to the words of the Bible. The poems explore every human emotion, from anger and thankfulness to moments of beauty and despair.Like the...

The Fall of Icarus is a collection of ancient myths and tales from Ovid's works, including the stories of Theseus and the Minotaur, Daedalus and Icarus, and the Calydonian Boar-Hunt.These stories showcase Ovid's mastery of lyrical and savage narratives,...

Night Sky with Exit Wounds is a powerful debut collection of poetry that explores the complexities of love, loss, and identity. Written by Ocean Vuong, a young Vietnamese American poet, this book is a deeply personal and unflinching examination of the...

The Aeneid is a masterpiece of Latin poetry, written by Virgil in the 1st century BC. This revised edition brings together Virgil's perfect hexameters in a single volume, offering a glimpse into the mind of one of Rome's greatest poets. The Aeneid is a...

The Penguin Book of First World War Poetry is a powerful anthology of poetry from the Great War, featuring a diverse range of voices and experiences. The collection brings together famous verses by poets such as Rupert Brooke, Siegfried Sassoon, and...

Walt Whitman's poetry is a defining voice of America, capturing the nation's unique vitality and the vastness of its land. This collection of verse reflects a sometimes troubled consciousness, communicated in language that was considered shocking at the...

Lobster And Other Things I'm Learning to Love by Hollie McNish A collection of poems that explore the complexities of human emotions, Hollie McNish invites us to confront the things we're often taught to hate, and to consider the possibility of learning...

The sea has long been a source of inspiration for poets, drawing out a rich tapestry of human emotions and experiences. This collection brings together a diverse range of poems, from the works of Homer and Milton to those of contemporary poets like Plath...

Ash Keys: New Selected Poems by Michael LongleyThis collection marks a significant milestone in the career of the last surviving member of the 1960s Belfast poetic triumvirate. Spanning thirteen individual collections, Ash Keys showcases Longley's unique...

The Letters I Will Never Send Embrace Honesty and Heal Beautifully by Isabella Dorta is a poignant collection of poems that invite you to confront the unspoken and the unshared. With beautiful line illustrations, Dorta urges you to leave nothing unsaid...

Inward by Yung Pueblo is a collection of poetry and prose that explores the journey from self-love to unconditional love, the power of letting go, and the wisdom that comes from truly knowing ourselves.Perfect for those experiencing heartbreak and...

Roger McGough's Collected Poems brings together sixty years of his most celebrated work, from the Mersey's vibrant soundscapes to tender meditations on family and life's big questions.This extensive collection showcases McGough's unique voice and style,...

The Maidens is a gripping tale of psychological suspense that weaves together Greek mythology, murder, and obsession. When one of Cambridge University's most exclusive society, The Maidens, is murdered, a grieving young therapist is drawn back to the...

Immerse yourself in the profound wisdom and lyrical beauty of Kahlil Gibran's collected works. This deluxe hardbound edition brings together some of Gibran's most celebrated writings, including The Prophet, The Broken Wings, and Sand and Foam. Gibran's...

Pam Ayres on Animals is a charming collection of poems dedicated to the poet's love of animals, illustrated by Ellie Snowdon. From her first encounter with a friendly golden Labrador at just three years old, Pam Ayres has been enchanted by animals.This...

The Odyssey by Homer A timeless epic of homecoming, The Odyssey tells the story of a man who, after years of wandering, struggles to return to his native land. This authoritative prose translation by Martin Hammond brings Homer's great poem to life,...

The Sun and Her Flowers is a poignant collection of poetry by Rupi Kaur, exploring the complexities of love, life, and grief. Illustrated by Kaur herself, the book is a deeply personal and relatable journey of growth and transformation.Through her...

Dante Alighieri's Inferno is a masterpiece of medieval literature, describing a descent into Hell with Virgil as a guide. The poem depicts a cruel underworld in which desperate figures are condemned to eternal damnation for committing one or more of...

The Poetry Pharmacy Returns offers a fresh prescription for courage, healing, and hope. William Sieghart's latest collection brings together tried-and-true classics from his in-person pharmacies, alongside reader favourites and new poems addressing the...

Louise Glück's Marigold and Rose is a poignant and humorous exploration of identity and belonging. The twins, Marigold and Rose, begin to piece together the world as they move between their mother's stories of the past and their father's tales of the...

Choose Love is a poignant collection of poems that explores the experience of those forced to become refugees.Written in collaboration with the Refugee Trauma Initiative, this cycle of poems brings to life the true stories of individuals who have been...

A.P. Wavell's anthology of English poetry, first published in 1944, remains a treasured collection of verse that has stood the test of time. This edition, enhanced by Wavell's introduction and annotations, offers a wealth of poetic works that continue to...

The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser is a foundational work of English literature, celebrated for its richly imagined world and exploration of virtue and morality. Written in the 16th century, this epic poem is a testament to the power of language and the...

Selected Poems of John Donne offers a rich representation of the poet's diverse and passionate verse. From witty and humorous pieces like "The Flea" to the intimate and intense Holy Sonnets, Donne's poetry is known for its spiritual depth and lucid...

William Wordsworth's poetry is a testament to his innovative approach to language and his desire to capture the essence of everyday life. Influenced by the French Revolution and the need to break free from traditional poetic forms, Wordsworth sought to...

Alice Oswald's Dart is a poetic exploration of the River Dart in Devon, created from a series of conversations with people who live and work along its banks. The voices gathered are diverse and evocative, ranging from a poacher to a sewage worker, and...

The Odyssey (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) Translated by Robert Fagles, this Penguin Classic presents Homer's epic poem in a stunning modern-verse translation. The story follows Odysseus, a man driven off course by the twists and turns of fate, as he...

Ovid's Metamorphoses is a rich and varied exploration of change and transformation, drawing on the myth and legend of ancient Greece and Rome. The poet weaves together a diverse range of narratives, each reflecting the fluid and often paradoxical nature...

Rudyard Kipling's 'If...' has been voted Britain's favourite poem, and now you can discover the nation's 100 best-loved poems in this unique anthology. The result of a nationwide poll, this collection brings together a diverse range of poems, from...

Let Them Eat Chaos is a powerful and moving poem that explores the lives of seven strangers living on the same London street. Through a series of vignettes, Kae Tempest reveals the struggles, fears, and hopes of these individuals, each with their own...

Don Paterson's 101 Sonnets is a thought-provoking anthology that explores the enduring appeal of the sonnet form. With its 14-line structure, the sonnet has been a source of inspiration for many poets, from Thomas Wyatt to Paul Muldoon. This collection...

Home Body is a deeply personal and introspective collection of poems by Rupi Kaur, exploring the complexities of identity, love, and self-discovery.Through raw and honest conversations with herself, Kaur invites readers to reflect on their own journeys,...

Life Poems to Help Navigate Life's Many Twists and Turns by Donna Ashworth For those seeking inspiration and acceptance on life's journey, this collection of poems offers a unique perspective on the challenges of ageing, body image, family, and the...

May Day is a new poetry collection from Jackie Kay, Scotland's former Makar. Spanning several decades of activism, these poems explore international solidarity, feminist, LGBT+ and anti-racist movements, and the intersection of global events with...

High Jump as Icarus Story is a powerful debut that redefines the boundaries of Blackness, queerness, and masculinity through the lens of myth, pop culture, and the high jump. Gustav Parker Hibbett's poems are formally inventive, speaking in a capacious...

Dancing by the Light of the Moon is a collection of over 250 poems to read, relish and recite. This remarkable anthology brings together the best-loved poems in the English-speaking world, offering a wealth of words to reflect your mood, celebrate...

Skirrid Hill is a poignant poetry collection that explores the complexities of separation and change. The poems, including "Y Gaer" and "The Hillfort," delve into themes of childhood, family, and the natural world, set against the backdrop of a Welsh...

The Iliad, a timeless epic poem, begins with a powerful invocation to the muse, setting the stage for a story of rage and devastation. For generations, Richmond Lattimore's translation has been the gold standard for understanding Homer's masterpiece, and...

Dante's journey into the heart of Hell, as described in the first part of his epic poem, is a tale of descent into darkness and despair. With Virgil as his guide, the poet navigates nine concentric circles of suffering, encountering doomed souls who have...

A E Housman's poetry collection brings to life a poignant rural world, imbued with a sense of loss and nostalgia. The poems, written in simple rhythms, explore themes of love, doubt, and the beauty of the countryside. This revised edition, introduced by...

The Poetic Edda is a collection of Norse-Icelandic mythological and heroic poetry that explores the creation and destruction of the world. The book begins with The Seeress's Prophecy, which recounts the creation of the world and looks forward to its...

A Terrible Beauty Is Born by W. Yeats This collection of poetry explores the complexities of youth, hope, and sacrifice. Spanning the twentieth century, it features verse that is both joyful and despairing, offering a poignant reflection on the human...

W.B. Yeats's Collected Poems is a comprehensive gathering of his published verse, spanning from early lyrics to magnificent later poems. The collection showcases Yeats's unique voice, marked by paradox, pride, and passion. With a new Introduction by...

John Keats's Selected Poems is a collection of his most celebrated and enduring works.Spanning his short but remarkable career, this selection includes poems from his early days, such as 'Imitation of Spenser', alongside his later masterpieces, including...

Philip Larkin's Collected Poems is a comprehensive collection of his published works, presented in their original sequence. The revised edition returns to Larkin's deliberate ordering, featuring his four published books: The North Ship, The Less...

The Works of Emily Dickinson This collection of poems by Emily Dickinson presents a unique and powerful vision of life, love, and nature. Written in a style that was initially met with skepticism during her lifetime, Dickinson's work is now recognized...

Ariel is a collection of poems written by Sylvia Plath in a burst of creativity just before her death in 1963. The book includes some of her most famous poems, such as 'Lady Lazarus', 'Edge', 'Daddy', and 'Paralytic'.Published in 1965, Ariel is the first...

A poem for every day of the year, Days Like These offers a fresh perspective on the world around us. From the quirky to the curious, each poem is inspired by a significant event associated with its corresponding day. This innovative collection is perfect...

Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf is a faithful rendering of the Anglo-Saxon poem, composed towards the end of the first millennium. This epic poem is a cornerstone of European literature, and Heaney's work is true to the original line by line...

The Epic of Gilgamesh, translated by Andrew George, is the world's oldest known epic, dating back over four thousand years. This revised edition includes newly discovered material, bringing new insights into the poem's themes and story.The poem tells of...

Staying Alive is an international anthology of 500 life-affirming poems that find strength in the human and spiritual experience. At a time when much of the world feels unreal, these poems offer a powerful connection to our aspirations and humanity,...

English Romantic poetry from its beginnings to its decadence is presented in this comprehensive collection. The book features a range of famous poems, including "Intimations of Immortality," "The Ancient Mariner," and excerpts from "Don Juan," alongside...

This annual anthology showcases the best of new poetry, as selected by the Forward Prizes. Featuring a rich selection of poems from the previous year's entries, it offers a unique insight into the latest developments in the world of poetry.Published...

I Wish I Knew is a deeply personal collection of poems that explores the complexities of growing up, navigating body image, emotions, mental health, and relationships. Having struggled with perfectionism, eating disorders, and depression in her teenage...

Carl Phillips's Scattered Snows, to the North is a poignant exploration of the human condition, one that delves into the complexities of memory, knowledge, and vulnerability. The poet's latest work is a meditation on the fragility of our understanding,...

Carol Ann Duffy's Mean Time is a powerful collection of poems that explore the complexities of life, love, and memory. Through scenes of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, Duffy finds moments of grace and consolation in the midst of loss, betrayal,...

Ovid's Metamorphoses is a rich and witty poem that weaves together a dazzling array of mythological tales, linked by the idea of transformation. In this accessible translation, Ovid explores the magical changes that men and women undergo, often as a...

A Muslim Woman's Diary is a collection of quotes and advice from a Muslima to her sisters, offering guidance on four fundamental themes: haya, nafs, sabr, and obedience. This book aims to help readers navigate life's challenges and cultivate a positive...

Reservation for One is a powerful and relatable collection of poetry that explores the complexities of being a single woman in a society that often judges and expects conformity.This judgment-free anthology delves into the full spectrum of emotions that...

This poignant collection brings together the remarkable poetry and prose of Palestinian poet and professor Refaat Alareer, whose life was tragically cut short by an Israeli airstrike in December 2023. The book features a curated selection of his work,...

The Poetry Pharmacy Forever: New Prescriptions to Soothe, Revive and Inspire In a world that has faced unprecedented challenges, William Sieghart's Poetry Pharmacy has reopened its doors to offer comfort and solace. This latest instalment draws on the...

A delightful anthology of poems chosen by Classic FM listeners, this collection features a range of humorous, romantic, and traditional verse. From limericks to sonnets, it includes poems for special occasions and those to suit any mood. With a diverse...

Blossomise by Simon Armitage A poetic celebration of spring's fleeting beauty, Blossomise explores the joy and melancholy of the blossom season. With a unique blend of traditional forms and modern language, Simon Armitage brings new energy to this...

William Blake's Complete Poems is a comprehensive collection of the English Romantic poet's most celebrated works. Spanning his entire oeuvre, this volume brings together poems that showcase Blake's unique blend of mysticism, philosophy, and artistic...

Dante's epic masterpiece, The Divine Comedy, is a profound exploration of human redemption, faith, and desire. This 3-in-1 edition brings together the poet's journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, guided by Virgil and accompanied by the spirit of...

Discover 365 Poems for Life, a daily dose of nourishing poetry from award-winning curator Allie Esiri. This uplifting anthology offers a brief moment of escape from daily life, with some of the warmest words in the English language. Explore a wide range...

Wild Flowers of Chalk and Limestone by E A Ellis is a poetic exploration of the natural world. First published in 1977, this book is a later printing of a work that showcases the author's unique voice and perspective. With 32 pages of poetic prose, it...