This collection of 130 newspaper columns that Hirsch wrote for the Washington Post, each briefly discussing the work of a poet or poets he admires, is like a treasure trove of bread crumbs which can lead the reader onto paths of interest throughout the poetic corpus. Hirsch's love of poetry is wide ranging and enthusiastic and it's hard to imagine anyone but the expert not finding introductions here to new and interesting poets, and more avenues down which to go exploring. ( )

One of my favorite anthologies with poems from more than one hundred poets. Curated by Edward Hirsch they come alive again or for the first time, but always presented with commentary that adds to your own critical assessment. I love returning to old favorites with a new eye & ear, or finding new poems and poets whose verse resonates and inspires this reader. ( )

I loved this book of essays on poetry so much that I reread several of the essays. I'm not sure I'm ready to pass this one on yet. Yes, this is a book of essays on poetry and, yes, I loved it so much more than the two horrible novels I attempted this week and, no, I don't care that probably no one else in the entire world or even in the entire book-loving world would read this book. I loved it. ( )

A great collection of poetry, from around the world and from ancient to contemporary, enhanced by Hirsch's informative and insightful commentary. I'm impressed with the breadth of Hirsch's knowledge of poetry--and moved by the depth of his appreciation for it. For me, this was a great guide for further reading, giving me a taste of several poets and poetic traditions I hope to explore. ( )