Strong Measures: Contemporary American Poetry In Traditional Form

by Philip Dacey, David Jauss

Presents a new, wide-ranging selection of contemporary but structured American verse by almost two hundred poets

Genres: Poetry, Anthologies

512 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful.

[Christina M Rau · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're looking for explanations on every form of poetry with examples, this is your book. The explanations are a little difficult to follow, but that's probably because some of them are insanely difficult overall. There is also little cultural diversity. Compiled in 1986, the poems are contemporary for their day. A handy book, especially if you're a poet or if you teach poetry.

[Laurel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm glad I read my book although it wasn't my favorite collection of poems. It was difficult to connect with a lot of them as some poems dealt with specific people from pop culture in a time before I was born. :) I also found the styles dry and a lot of the endings of the poems underwhelming. I would have liked to have seen more women authors included. I think the book would also have been stronger if the poems were organized by form (sonnets, etc) as a way to learn how different poets wrote in that style. I could see Strong Measures being a way for writers/poets to build up a foundation of poets and forms, but wouldn't recommend it for the average reader.

[Frank R. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Informative introductory chapters but I was not a fan of the poets collected here.

[Anneliese · Rating 5 out of 5]

From A to Z, a technical and reader's guide to the craft of poetry. Author's bios, Examples of forms, Glossary, and more!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book to own. I've read it all the way through and I've also read it randomly, many times. If you want to be inspired pick it up.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the best anthology and reference for English language contemporary poetry in written in forms.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very bad idea that this book is out of print or costs in the hundreds. It's amazing.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure why this book is so expensive. I'm also not sure where I last left it.