Secondhand Poetry & Verse Bargain Book Box SP2430

Secondhand Poetry & Verse Bargain Book Box

Discover the rhythm of the human soul with this eclectic collection of twenty secondhand poetry books. This box spans centuries and continents, bringing together the Romantic verses of Keats and Wordsworth, the American ruggedness of Whitman and Carver, and the distinct voices of Australia’s Les Murray and Henry Kendall. From the feminist wit of Carol Ann Duffy to the viral Scots sensation Len Pennie, this library offers a verse for every mood and moment. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. The Collected Poems of Rudyard Kipling Known for his mastery of rhythm and ballad forms, Kipling’s poetry captures the essence of the Victorian empire, the life of the common soldier, and the adventure of the unknown. This collection includes his most famous works, such as "If—" and "Gunga Din," showcasing his ability to blend storytelling with memorable verse.

2. The Collected Poems of W. B. Yeats William Butler Yeats stands as a giant of 20th-century literature, and this volume brings together the full breadth of his poetic career. From the romantic longings and Irish mythology of his early work to the stark, political modernism of his later years, it traces the evolution of a Nobel laureate who defined a nation’s literary identity.

3. The Works of D. H. Lawrence While famous for his novels, D. H. Lawrence was also a prolific and powerful poet who rejected formal constraints to capture raw emotion and the vitality of nature. This collection explores his uninhibited observations on love, animals, and the modern world, written with his signature intensity and directness.

4. The World's Wife by Carol Ann Duffy In this witty and subversive collection, Carol Ann Duffy gives a voice to the wives of famous men from history and myth. From Mrs. Midas to Mrs. Darwin, these poems offer a feminist revision of traditional tales, blending humor, anger, and poignancy to reveal the stories hidden behind the "great men."

5. All of Us: The Collected Poems by Raymond Carver Celebrated for his minimalist short stories, Raymond Carver’s poetry shares the same understated power and focus on blue-collar life. These accessible and moving poems explore themes of alcohol, recovery, nature, and the quiet, often overlooked moments of human connection.

6. The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson One of America's most original and enigmatic poets, Emily Dickinson wrote nearly 1,800 poems in isolation, exploring themes of death, immortality, and the inner landscape of the soul. This complete edition allows readers to experience her unique use of syntax and punctuation that revolutionized poetic form.

7. The Collected Poems of William Wordsworth As a central figure of the Romantic movement, Wordsworth celebrated the sublime beauty of nature and the power of the imagination. This collection features his lyrical ballads and odes, transporting readers to the lakes and hills of England that inspired his philosophy of "emotion recollected in tranquility."

8. The Collected Poems of Walt Whitman Whitman’s free verse masterpiece, Leaves of Grass, changed the course of American poetry with its sprawling lines and democratic spirit. He sings of the body, the soul, and the vast diversity of the American experience, embracing everything with a transcendental optimism.

9. The Works of Oscar Wilde Best known for his plays and wit, Oscar Wilde was also a skilled poet whose work ranged from the aesthetic and ornamental to the deeply tragic. This volume includes "The Ballad of Reading Gaol," a haunting and powerful indictment of the prison system written after his own incarceration.

10. W. B. Yeats: Selected Poetry For those seeking a curated introduction to the Irish master, this selection highlights Yeats' most essential and enduring poems. It covers the major phases of his development, offering a concentrated look at the themes of love, Ireland, and the occult that drove his creative genius.

11. Cove by Cynan Jones Written in prose so sparse and rhythmic it borders on poetry, this short novel tells the survival story of a man struck by lightning while kayaking at sea. Jones strips the narrative down to its elemental core, capturing the physical and mental struggle against the vast indifference of the ocean.

12. The Penguin Book of Love Poetry This extensive anthology explores the many faces of love, from the first flush of romance to the pain of loss and the comfort of enduring companionship. Drawing from centuries of literary tradition, it gathers the most passionate and moving verses ever written on the human heart.

13. Subterranean Radio Songs by Joel Deane Australian poet Joel Deane delivers a collection that is gritty, urban, and infused with a punk ethos. His poems tune into the static and noise of modern life, exploring the underground currents of politics, history, and personal identity with a sharp and energetic voice.

14. Anthology of Australian Verse 2023 This annual collection offers a snapshot of the contemporary Australian poetry scene, showcasing established names alongside emerging voices. It reflects the diverse landscape of the nation's literature, capturing the current mood, concerns, and artistic experiments of poets writing today.

15. The Dead Queen of Bohemia by Jenni Fagan Jenni Fagan is known for her visceral and rebellious writing, and this collection is no exception. She explores life on the fringes, blending personal history with a punk-rock attitude to create poems that are raw, honest, and often darkly humorous.

16. Collected Poems by Les Murray Les Murray was a titan of Australian literature, known for his sprawling vernacular style and his deep connection to the rural landscape of Bunyah. This collection gathers his life's work, revealing a poet who could write about cows and farming with the same metaphysical depth as he did about religion and history.

17. Ten Poems about London This charming selection celebrates the chaos, history, and beauty of London through the eyes of ten different poets. It serves as a literary walking tour of the city, capturing the unique atmosphere of its streets, rivers, and people in a compact format.

18. Henry Kendall: Poetry, Prose & Selected Correspondence Henry Kendall was one of Australia’s first native-born poets of distinction, known for his melancholic and lyrical descriptions of the bush. This volume provides a comprehensive look at his work and life, offering insight into the colonial experience and the development of an Australian poetic voice.

19. The Complete Poems of John Keats Despite his tragically short life, John Keats left behind some of the most beautiful and sensual poetry in the English language. This collection includes his famous Odes, celebrating the eternal truth of beauty and the transience of life with unmatched lyrical intensity.

20. poyums by Len Pennie Len Pennie became a viral sensation for her performance poetry in the Scots language, and this debut collection brings her voice to the page. She writes with fierce honesty about mental health, women's rights, and the importance of preserving language, blending traditional Scots with modern concerns.