The Rattle Bag: An Anthology of Poetry

by Seamus Heany, Ted Hughes

"The Rattle Bag" is an anthology of poetry (mostly in English but occasionally in translation) for general readers and students of all ages and backgrounds. These poems have been selected by the simple yet telling criteria that they are the personal favorites of the editors, themselves two of contemporary literature's leading poets.

Moreover, Heaney and Hughes have elected to list their favorites not by theme or by author but simply by title (or by first line, when no title is given). As they explain in their "We hope that our decision to impose an arbitrary alphabetical order allows the contents [of this book] to discover themselves as we ourselves gradually discovered them--each poem full of its singular appeal, transmitting its own signals, taking its chances in a big, voluble world."

With undisputed masterpieces and rare discoveries, with both classics and surprises galore, "The Rattle Bag" includes the work of such key poets as William Shakespeare, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Lewis Carroll, Dylan Thomas, Wallace Stevens, Elizabeth Bishop, and Sylvia Plath among its hundreds of poems. A helpful Glossary as well as an Index of Poets and Works are offered at the conclusion of this hefty, unorthodox, diverse, inspired, and inspiring collection of poetry.

Genres: Poetry

Paperback

Reviews

[Judy]

Definitely a variety of vivid mental images presented here. There are many poems I would have never read had they not been included. I did have a fair idea on what to expect based on the editors. In general I have not read too much poetry since my college days. This collection helps me understand why it is good to continue to read poetry and yes it has to do with imagery and descriptions of the world around you. Novels tell a story while poetry can show where the story might be coming from.

[Tom]

An excellent and varied collection - great for dipping in to