Poem, Revised: 54 Poems, Revisions, Discussions

by Robert Hartwell Fiske (Editor), Laura Cherry

The creative world of the writer is uncovered in this captivating exploration of the techniques of poetry revision. An in-depth look at the writing processes of 54 poems, each by a different modern author, is provided, complete with early drafts, subsequent revised versions, and short essays from the poets themselves revealing how and why they made specific changes, as well as their editing secrets. Poetry lovers will enjoy browsing through their favorite works and authors, and budding writers will learn the skills needed to grow a first draft into a polished final piece.

Genres: Poetry, Writing

368 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2007

Reviews

[Susan Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so in full disclosure let me say that my essay, "Reclaimation" is included in this anthology. Nevertheless, I have been reading the other essays all afternoon and enjoying the sense of playing Harriet-the-Spy in terms of better understanding how different poems are made. Wonderful poet Kathleen Flenniken has a fascinating essay in here as well concerning the making of her poem "Bedroom Community."

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poem, Revised is an excellent collection for a poet at any point in the roller coaster ride of publication. Each poet shares an early or first draft of a published poem, then writes of the steps involved in revising, ending with the final published poem. The different ways in which writers approach revision are fascinating.

[Julene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. There is a lot to learn about poetry and to hear how different writers work with poems, think about them, and edit is simply brilliant. In so many of the small essays you see the poem start to finish and observe the process of the authors.

[Elissa Matthews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not finish. Mildly interesting to see the journey of other writers through a single poem, but not 54 poems worth, and many of them were specific to the content, not the process, or worse, comp,Emely oblique “it didn’t feel right so I tried different things”

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great tool for investigating other people's process, and a few really good poems to boot. But even the worst poems (and revision choices) are revealing and useful, if only to confirm that YOUR process might have been right all along.

[Erika Dreifus]

Really appreciated this book. Reviewed it for The Writer magazine (April 2009 issue).

[Scott Wiggerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished rereading this fine collection of essays on revision--proof positive that revision is worthwhile and necessary, that "first word, best word" is not really viable.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for my Advanced Workshop class.