The Best American Poetry 1997

A selection of the 75 best American poems of 1997 chosen by poet James Tate. The verse and prose poems are by both established figures such as Jorie Graham, Donald Hall and John Ashberry, and emerging poets such as Billy Collins and Linda Gregerson.

The Best American Poetry is the one indispensable volume for readers eager to follow what''s new in poetry today. Sales continue to grow and plaudits keep coming in for this "high-voltage testament to the vitality of American poetry" (Booklist). Selected by prizewinning guest editor James Tate, the seventy-five best poems of the year were chosen from more than three dozen magazines and range from the comic to the cosmic, from the contemplative to the sublime. In addition to showcasing our leading bards -- such as John Ashbery, Jorie Graham, Robert Hass, and Mark Strand -- the collection marks an auspicious debut for eye-opening younger poets. With comments from the poets themselves offering insights into their work, The Best American Poetry delivers the startling and imaginative writing that more and more people have come to expect from this prestigious series.