Staying Alive: Real Poems for Unreal Times [Paperback]

Neil Astley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2, 2003

Assembling a diverse mix of contemporary poets-Mary Oliver, W.H. Auden, Maya Angelou, Billy Collins, Louise Gluck, Gwendolyn MacEwen, Rita Dove, and hundreds more-Staying Alive is a unique anthology that illuminates the vital force of our humanity, the passion of our aspirations, the power of our spirituality. From the enigma of death to the sweetness of friendship, these poems speak to life's mysteries and consolations and help us navigate the most trying times in recent memory. Staying Alive is already an astonishing best-seller in the United Kingdom, where it has gained a wide-ranging audience. This new edition, specially revised for its American readership, reconnects acionados and newcomers alike to the force of poetry, helping us stay alive to the world and stay true to ourselves.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A compendium of hundreds of poems I love and would have chosen myself." -- Alice Quinn, Poetry Society of America

"A magnificent anthology." -- Philip Pullman

"A remarkable, lively collection." -- USA Today

"Addictive." -- Time Out New York

"Astonishingly rich...edgy, authentic and provocative." -- Edmund White

"Passionate...Staying Alive is a blessing of a book." -- Anne Michaels, author of Fugitive Pieces

"These poems distill the human heart as nothing else." -- Jane Campion

"This is the one poetry book you need to buy this year." -- O The Oprah Magazine

"Truly startling and powerful poems." -- Mia Farrow

About the Author

Edited by Neil Astley, founder of Bloodaxe Books, one of the most acclaimed poetry publishers in the English-speaking world.

Product Details

• Paperback: 496 pages
• Publisher: Miramax (April 2, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401359264
• ISBN-13: 978-1401359263
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #236,573 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Rich Meal Indeed, June 5, 2005

By 

John Michael Albert "John-Michael Albert" (Portsmouth NH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Staying Alive: Real Poems for Unreal Times (Paperback)

First, despite the strange title and the morose cover art, please buy this book. It has been a long time since I've had so many strangers ask me what I was reading with such concern in their voices -- the last time was when I was reading How We Die. Perhaps the publishers should have considered some modifications when releasing the book in the US. This is a very good anthology of contemporary (early 20th century to the right-now present) poetry. I have been delighted to discover many poems that have struck me as memorable from poetry readings and programs such as Poetry Daily and The Writer's Almanac under one cover. And I like the way the poems are grouped by theme, then paired by image within the thematic groups. This is sustained over 450-odd pages, which makes the book a very rich meal indeed. I'm assuming, from the essay at the end "The Sound of Poetry" and the following Glossary of poetical terms, that this is intended to supplant some Norton Anthology like thing in the first year college curriculum. The glossary, incidentally, is fun to read as a sort of second essay, since it refers back to the contents of the book for its authority.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Keeper, April 10, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Staying Alive: Real Poems for Unreal Times (Paperback)

Of course I'm prejudiced toward this book, since it includes some of my favorite poems: Billy Collins' "Forgetfulness," "The Dead," and "Undressing Emily Dickinson" for starters. The collection moves on to introduce work that is now on the must -read -to -friends list: "Lady of Miracles" by Nina Cassian, "Muse" by Jo Shapcott and
"In My Country" by Jackie Kay. 500 poems to chose from, each section generously edited for reading pleasure so the book itself has its own rhythm. A great gift for graduation, Mother's Day, a romantic moment, or for your father who introduced you to reading in the first place.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great anthology, October 22, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Staying Alive: Real Poems for Unreal Times (Paperback)

"Staying Alive" offers a wonderful anthology of moving poems that inspire. It is a perfect introduction for those not familiar with contemporary poetry, not willing to invest in dozens of author centered books to find some jewels, yet still wanting to hear fresh vibrancy in our language. Many of the poems are real beauties, and I think Neil Astley has done a wonderful job as editor. It is divided into thematic sections, and has breif commentaries on many of the poems, and a useful glossary as well. It may not be for poetry scholars, but it is not intended for them. It is intended for the common masses, and for us I have seen none its equal. It has shown me that there is much value in modern poetry, and it has given me already many inner smiles. It would make a perfect gift for the poetically inclined in your family- I know I will send one soon.