What a wonderful collection of poetry with the added attraction of spoken verse. Each poet reads their own poetry as recorded on three CDs. The introductions and commentary by some of our finest poets complement the verses making them all the more valuable and perhaps just a bit more understandable. ( )

This is a must-have volume for poetry lovers. Not only do you get to read about the lives of the best 20th century poets, but you get to hear them reading their own work on three CDs. It's amazing. In addition, I loved learning new things through the biographical sketches on each poet. Also a plus were the personal essays from some of today's best-known poets—though some were a bit too analytical (I liked the personal insights best, such as the piece on Muriel Rukeyser by Sharon Olds) and some I thought could have been researched a bit better (had Molly Peacock read SAVAGE BEAUTY by Nancy Milford, I doubt she would think of Edna St. Vincent Millay's childhood days as "ideal.") If you are in need of a poetry fix, read POETRY SPEAKS. ( )

The collection of poetry contained in this book are blissfully entertaining. The emotions proviked by these great works range anywhere from joy to despair allowing many opportunities to relate to one of more poet or piece of work. There's definitely something for everyone. ( )

It's especially amazing to hear Tennyson read! ( )

The splendor of words. ( )