10 Poetry Collections Unlike Any Other

Sylvia Plath Poems Chosen by Carol Ann Duffy

“Out of the ash

I rise with my red hair

And I eat men like air.”

Re-ignite your passion for the fiery heart of Sylvia Plath with this unique collection, curated by fellow poet luminary Carol Ann Duffy. Plath’s poems crackle with raw emotion, exploring themes of female identity, rage against societal constraints, and the intoxicating allure of the natural world. Duffy, a master in her own right, has chosen poems that showcase Plath’s fierce voice, from the unsettling broodiness of “Daddy” to the darkly whimsical “Lady Lazarus.” This collection isn’t just a peek into Plath’s brilliance; it’s a potent reminder of the power of words to confront darkness, celebrate freedom, and leave a lasting mark on the soul.

A Poem for Every Summer Day ed. by Allie Esiri

“We want to be handed our cup of coffee hot,

and to say thank you to the person handing it.”

Bask in the sunshine with “A Poem for Every Summer Day,” a delightful collection curated by Allie Esiri, that comes highly recommended by Helena Bonham Carter. Forget the humdrum of weather reports – here, each day explodes with vibrant poems chosen to capture the essence of summer. From the epic ranges of W.B. Yeats to the scorching passion of Sylvia Plath, the collection brims with diverse voices. Discover Langston Hughes’ soulful vibrancy or lose yourself in Lord Byron’s romantic verses, all woven together by Esiri’s masterful touch. This treasure trove is more than just a poetry book; it’s a summer companion that celebrates the season’s magic and reminds us of the poet’s power to transport us with every evocative word.

The Nation’s Favourite Children’s Poems ed. by Spike Milligan

“The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea 

In a beautiful pea-green boat, 

They took some honey, and plenty of money, 

Wrapped up in a five-pound note.”

Spike Milligan, the master of the Goon Show’s wacky humour, brings his playful touch to this delightful collection of “The Nation’s Favourite Children’s Poems.” Dive into a world where owls elope with pussycats and unicorns prance through backyards. But don’t be fooled by the silliness! These poems, penned by masters like A.A. Milne and Edward Lear tackle timeless themes: the joys of summer holidays, the tribulations of school days, and the precious bond between friends and family. Each verse is a tiny treasure, reminding us of the power poets have to ignite imaginations and shape young minds. This collection is a gift for children of all ages, a chance to revisit cherished favourites and discover new gems that will spark a lifelong love of language.

Poems by Presidents: The First-Ever Anthology ed. By Micheal Croland

“Budgets,

Battles,

Phone Calls, 

Hassles.”

Forget stuffy speeches! “Poems by Presidents: The First-Ever Anthology” unveils the surprising literary side of America’s leaders. This groundbreaking collection delves into the hearts and minds of presidents, revealing their hopes, fears, and even hidden desires through verse. From George Washington’s youthful love poems to Abraham Lincoln’s biting political satire, these poems offer a unique glimpse into the personalities behind the power. “Poems by Presidents” isn’t just a quirky collection; it’s a window into the humanity of those who shaped a nation. Prepare to be surprised, touched, and maybe even chuckle as you discover the poet behind the presidency.

Out of Sri Lanka: Tamil, Sinhala and English Poetry from Sri Lanka and its Diasporas ed. By Vidyan Ravinthiran, Seni Seneviratne and Shash Trevett

“ We sit balancing broths on our laps, blow brown islands in each spoon”

The first-ever anthology of Sri Lankan poetry, the collection offers a vibrant tapestry woven from voices that have long been silenced. Over a hundred poets, writing in English, Tamil, and Sinhala, paint a powerful portrait of Sri Lanka, its rich landscapes, and its people. War, love, displacement, and the fight for identity echo through these verses. Poetry of migration, nationhood, diaspora and atrocity, this anthology contains Sri lankan voices from across the world, from Canada to Australia. Here, poets become history makers, refusing to let stories be forgotten. Whether it’s the defiance of a forgotten goddess or the ache of exile, “Out of Sri Lanka” gives voice to a nation’s heart, making it a treasure for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this complex and beautiful island.

365 Poems for Life ed. by Allie Esiri

“The time will come

when, with elation,

you will greet yourself arriving

at your own door, in your own mirror

and each will smile at the other’s welcome,

and say, sit here. Eat.”

Need a daily dose of inspiration, wisdom, or a touch of rebellion? “365 Poems for Life” is your year-long poetry companion. Curator Allie Esiri brings together a chorus of voices, from iconic poets like Maya Angelou to fresh new talents. Each day unveils a poem that explores a different facet of life’s tapestry – love, loss, joy, nature, and the human spirit. Esiri’s masterful selection empowers the poets to uplift, challenge, and remind you of your strength. This beautiful collection is more than just a book; it’s a daily ritual, a chance to connect with the power of words and discover the beauty hidden within each ordinary day.

The Lost Spells ed. by Robert Macfarlane

“Loss is the tune of our age, hard to miss and hard to bear. Creatures, places and words disappear, day after day, year on year. But there has always been singing in the dark times– and wonder is needed now more than ever.” 

A book of charms to reconnect with nature’s wonders, “The Lost Spells,” by Robert Macfarlane, is a collection of poems and illustrations that act as spells to conjure back the magic of everyday creatures. Each page features a different bird, animal, flower, or tree, like the red fox or the silver birch. Jackie Morris’s watercolour illustrations bring these elements to life, while Macfarlane’s poems cast a playful, almost mystical tone. It’s a call to attention, reminding us of the beauty and importance of the natural world, all wrapped up in a gorgeous, pocket-sized package.

French Poetry: From Medieval to Modern Times (Everyman’s Library POCKET POETS)

edition takes us through a thousand years of French verse. From the melodious serenades of troubadours to the groundbreaking sonnets of Baudelaire, from Rabelais to Cesaire, this collection encompasses a vast array of styles and themes, displaying the rich diversity that marks the language’s poetic tradition. Containing renowned poets who sit betwixt vibrant new voices, as well as a vast army of translators, from Ezra Pound to Marianne Moore, this collection brims with all things literary. This compact volume is also a collector’s dream and an aesthete’s delight. With its elegant hardcover and expansive selection, it’s a timeless treasure for anyone who cherishes the power of French poetry.

Poems Of Food And Drink (Everyman’s Library POCKET POETS)

“Blackberries

Big as the ball of my thumb, and dumb as eyes

Ebon in the hedges, fat

With blue-red juices. These they squander on my fingers.

I had not asked for such a blood sisterhood; they must love me.”

Dive into a literary feast with “Poems of Food and Drink” (Everyman’s Library Pocket Poets). This curated collection transcends mere recipes, offering a delightful range of poems that sing of culinary delights and celebratory beverages. From the juicy ecstasy of Sylvia Plath’s “Blackberrying” to D.H. Lawrence’s unrhymed ode to the “Figs,” this pocket-sized gem takes you on a global culinary adventure. Li Po toasts solitude with “Drinking Alone,” while Emily Dickinson ponders the forbidden allure of fruit. Editor Peter Washington brings together both timeless classics and surprising finds, making this a must-have for bibliophiles and foodies alike. 

Poems of Healing (Everyman’s Library Pocket Poets Series)

“The Soul has Bandaged moments –

When too appalled to stir –

She feels some ghastly Fright come up

And stop to look at her “

“Poems of Healing,” a gem from Everyman’s Library’s Pocket Poets series, is a balm for the heart and mind. This miniature anthology traverses centuries and continents, gathering poems on illness and recovery from ancient Greece to the present day. Whether you find solace in the wisdom of Roman physician Galen or draw strength from Mary Oliver’s nature-infused verses, this collection offers a universal chorus of voices echoing the human experience of healing. It’s the perfect size to tuck in a bag, offering a quick poetic touch to any journey, physical or emotional.