Poems for Happiness

by Gaby Morgan, Richard Coles (Introduction)

Poetry is the perfect medium to capture the elusive nature of happiness and this beautiful anthology explores happiness in all its forms – whether it be a fleeting moment, the promise of freedom and adventure, surviving adversity or the comfort of nature.

Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library, a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket-sized classics with gold-foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. Poems for Happiness features an introduction by writer, broadcaster and parish priest, the Reverend Richard Coles.

This inspiring and life-affirming collection features writing by some of our greatest poets whose work is still widely read today. It includes famous poems such as ‘How Do I Love Thee?’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling, ‘My Heart Leaps Up’ by William Wordsworth and ‘Invictus’ by W. E. Henley. In addition to these well-known verses, this beautiful volume includes lesser-known poems to discover and enjoy.

Genres: Poetry

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[ivana :)) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every day is a fresh beggining,
Listen my soul to the glad refrain.
And, spite of old sorrows
And older sinning,
Troubles forecasted
And possible pain,
Take heart with the day and begin again.

Susan Coolidge

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a big fan of the MacMillan Collectors Library - the look, format and cosy, practical, friendly feel the books have. But I am afraid that Poems of Happiness is a disappointment. The problem with all anthologies is that it involves choice and choice means imposing your personal taste on others. I do not know who compiled the selection of poetry featured in this volume (was it the Revd Richard Coles?), but I founded it stilted and somehow a little pompous - favouring 16th and 17th Century writers over contemporary authors who might better understand the meaning of happiness in today's society. I do agree with Mr Coles when he writes in his introduction that "happiness is incidental, something we experience when life treats us well," but does it have to be so tied up with the passion of love. In fact, I wonder what Macmillan's Collection of Love Poems has in store for me then; I hope I won't be disappointed again!

[Lisa Wenzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully bound, thoughtfully selected collection of poems. Very pleasant reading. Feels good in your hand and “slim enough to slip into a slacks pocket and take to the park.” I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

[Sooah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure if I liked it at first, but later I tagged few pages so I can re-read them every day. So many beautiful poems and there is one about a dog and a cat.... Lovely.