Christina Rossetti: Over 100 selected poems

by Christina Rosetti, Pele Cox

160 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication November 3, 2026

Reviews

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice collection of Rosetti’s poetry, divided in chapters of love, religion, nature and death. There is an analysis of one poem per section, with a short biography at the start. There are no illustrations other than one picture of her.

I always thought I liked Rosetti’s poetry but if this were my first exposure to her I’m not sure I would have. I especially enjoy her nature and children’s poems, and this had more focus on her rather bitter and immature relationship poems and her religious poems. The book tells us that she considered herself too devout to marry the men who proposed to her, yet she wrote poems complaining of men wooing other women and of her sister interfering with a relationship. Some poems were so melodramatic and salty they were humorous, though I’m sure that wasn’t the intention.

All in all, this is a well organized, accessible compilation, which gives new insight into Rosetti.

I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC

I appreciated the introduction of the author, which provides helpful context about Rossetti’s life, influences, and literary significance. Rather than feeling separate from the poetry, this background deepens the reading experience and allows the reader to better understand the emotional and thematic layers within her work.

Overall, this collection succeeds in presenting Rossetti’s poetry in a way that is both informative and enjoyable. The combination of insightful critique and well-chosen poems creates a cohesive and rewarding reading experience.

[Val 𓍯ᥫ᭡.ִֶָ𓂃 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the poems in this book. The design makes for an easy read, and the cover is so lovely! I really liked how it was divided into sections and included extra information about the verses. I would have loved to see some illustrations inside, but it's a gorgeous book regardless!

Thanks so much to Gemini Books Group and NetGalley for this eARC.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know Rossetti best from her poem The Goblin Market, and her brother Dante Rossetti, the pre-Raphaelite painter. I think that while this was laid out in nice sections and I enjoyed the critiques, I don't know that this was the best representation of her work and wouldn't be a great jumping off point for people unfamiliar with her.

e-arc provided by Netgalley ❤️

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like poetry and have enjoyed Christina Rossetti poems before but I don’t think this is the best collection of her poetry that I, personally, have read.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.