United States of Poetry [Hardcover]

Joshua Blum (Author), Bob Holman (Author), Mark Pellington (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 1996

This volume captures the passion, intelligence, and variety of the New Poetry that is sweeping America. Combining spectacular images and a feast of language, this companion volume to the ITVS television series features 80 contemporary poems by everyone from Brodsky to Leonard Cohen to Allen Ginsberg to Jimmy Carter.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA?This 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
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

This is the book component--actually, a sort of souvenir program in which gaudy photos and layout largely obliterate the text--of the multimedia blitz whose title it bears. (There are also CD-ROM, broadcast-TV--Public, of course--and other kinds of merchandise out there under the same label.) The commodity ostensibly promoted by all this packaging is American poetry, which, according to the book's introduction, was "something written by the Dead" before the Nuyorican gang of "perfpos" (performance poets) came along to put it on video. Fortunately, some good poets have contributed to what many may think is a pretty condescending project--call it McPoetry--and the public-culture establishment is pushing the book and video versions at every opportunity. Expect demand for this admittedly well-produced book, but have faith: poetry will survive it. Ray Olson

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (March 30, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810939274
• ISBN-13: 978-0810939271
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #278,463 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The author has done a wonderful job in piecing this together, February 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: United States of Poetry (Hardcover)

These poems express a rather cultural aspect of American Society. Each reader will, in most cases, be able to "connect" with these poems and what they stand for. They are definately not the typical poems, but what is typical anyway? People from different cultures and different backrounds will identify with the entirety of this book.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars PBS Compilation Da Bomb, October 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: United States of Poetry (Hardcover)

I loved this collection. I especially liked the Peter Frampton retrospective at the end. He really is one of America's greatest writers, and a mormon, too, I understand. And "I'm not going to wear that thing" rules. Keep up the good work. Surf Reality.