The Best American Poetry 2000

Once again confirming its role as the cornerstone of contemporary verse, this highly acclaimed, perennial must-read showcases the work of today's most innovative and talented American poets, and this year contains a definitive list of the best poems of the century.

Since its debut in 1988, sales for THE BEST AMERICAN POETRY have nearly quadrupled. Now, in the midst of a present ''explosion in the interest of poetry nationwide'' (The New York Times), this renowned seried promises to deliver one of its finest volumes yet with Rita Dove as the year''s guest editor. One of the most prominent figures in the poetry world, former Poet Laureate Dove brings all of her dynamism and well-honed acumen to bear on the project. Dove has chosen the best poems of the year from a wide range of literary magazines and journals. Along with the work of today''s most celebrated poets, including W.S Merwin, Lucille Clifton, Susan Mitchell, and John Ashbery, Dove has also selected several fresh and diverse poems from a host of groundbreaking newcomers. Featuring comments from the poets elucidating their work and a Foreword by Series Editor David Lehman, THE BEST AMERICAN POETRY 2000 is an especially strong addition to the series PEOPLE magazine called, ''a year''s worth of the very best.''