English Poetry

Adopting the methodology of the music charts, The Classic Hundred Poems presents the "top 100" poems of all time. The selections are illuminated by the informative notes of editor William Harmon and read by an ensemble of contemporary poets including Alfred Corn and Rita Dove.

Savor the most celebrated love poems in the English language. Written almost 400 years ago, the sonnets of William Shakespeare are passionate and exalted, rich in imagery and alliteration, and full of mystery and intrigue.

NOTE: This is a new release and lacks proper reviews at this time. If you enjoy Mr. Shiva’s authentic and beautiful interpretations and translations of Rumi please consider offering a review. RUMI: THE BELOVED IS YOU by longtime Rumi translator and author, Shahram Shiva, offers the reader a uniquely compiled collection of the most powerful and memorable poems and quotes of Rumi. This very special selection presents a cross section of the best examples from various themes that Rumi chose to express his teachings and share his unique spiritual growth process. Rumi: The Beloved is You ...

Golden Globe nominee Scarlett Johansson ( Lost in Translation, Girl with a Pearl Earring) brings a palpable sense of joy and exuberance to her performance of Lewis Carroll's enduring classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The young and imaginative Alice grows weary of her storybook, one "without pictures or conversations", and follows a hasty hare underground - to come face to face with a host of strange and fantastic characters.

English literature is a treasure trove of wonderful poetry. From Shakespeare to Milton, Keats to Shelley and Tennyson to Yeats, this accessible history (especially written for Naxos Audiobooks) introduces the listener to countless small masterpieces, including all the old favorites and some lesser-known gems. Whitfield explores this most expressive of art forms and traces the historical development of a rich and diverse canon of poetical works.

Iced Coffee and Depression is a raw and poignant collection of poetry that explores the complexities of depression and anxiety, the highs and lows of love and heartbreak, and the journey toward healing. Through vivid imagery and candid language, Diana Townsend takes the reader on an emotional journey that is both relatable and deeply personal. Whether you're struggling with mental health issues, recovering from a broken heart, or simply looking for a deeper understanding of the human experience, this book is for you. With its powerful and honest voice, Iced Coffee and Depression is a ...

When I think of poetry, I envision the classic works written by great poets of the past—poetry that modern educators often label as ‘elitist’ literature. Such writing may now be primarily found in private schools, especially those that are religious or uphold traditional standards of scholarship and merit. This is a tragedy. Great poetry should not belong solely to a select few; it should be the birthright of all children. Poetry is the language of the soul (consider the Psalms), and since we all possess souls, it is vital for everyone. This statement challenges the spiritual ...

Step into the intimate realm of Grippy Socks and Cold Brew, an evocative journey through the labyrinth of the human soul. As the latest installment in The Coffeehouse Confessional series, this collection of poignant poetry delves deep into the delicate intricacies of mental health, depression, anxiety, grief, and loss. Grippy Socks and Cold Brew is a beacon of hope, a reminder that you are never alone in your battles. With each turn of the page, Diana Townsend's words become a comforting embrace, resonating with the depths of your own experiences. It is a testament to the strength of the ...

I’ve never seen anyone at a public pool with a memorable enough body, good or bad, that I think about it ever again. If this line sounds familiar, it’s because you’ve heard it in the background of thousands of videos on social media—a humbling reminder from poet and radio personality Josie Balka that what’s important in our lives now isn’t necessarily what’s important to us in the long run. I Hope You Remember, Josie’s first book of poetry, includes this poem and over eighty others, some previously published and others never shared before.

Born in 1795, tragically dead of consumption by age 26, John Keats was one of the greatest English Romantic poets. During his brief life, he composed many poems and odes that are considered among the finest and most passionate ever written. Lush, sensuous, rhythmic, and surprising, they captivate the senses and fascinate the mind.

Surviving the Trojan War was just the beginning of the adventure for Odysseus. What lay ahead was a journey home that would last for years as he encountered gods and monsters before finally returning home - only to face the greatest threat to his happiness of all. This translation of Homer's classic tale captures all the timeless excitement and gripping drama that have made it a favorite for centuries.

Poems by Emily Dickinson is a compilation of the poetry of Emily Dickinson in three different series, each composed of the following subjects: Life, Love, Nature, Time, and Eternity.

The notoriously reclusive New England poet broke all the rules of Victorian-era poetry to create a new, uniquely American style. Despite the fact that the majority of the poems recited here were never published in her lifetime, Dickinson remains one of the most influential voices in American literature.

Black Girl Evolving is a powerful and evocative poetry collection that delves into the complexities of the black community, mental health, and the vital role of black women in society. Diana Townsend's vivid and raw voice, speaks to the struggles and triumphs of being a black woman in today's world. Each poem is a reflection of the personal experiences of the author, and the universal experiences of the black community. Through the lens of mental health, the author explores the resilience and the beauty of black women, and the importance of self-care, self-love, and self-empowerment. Black ...

A collection of poems written by the revered American poet, essayist, and journalist. Included are selections from this most famous work, Leaves of Grass, as well as Drum Taps and Songs of Parting.

One of the foremost achievements in Western literature, Homer's Iliad tells the story of the darkest episode in the Trojan War. At its center is Achilles, the greatest warrior-champion of the Greeks, and his refusal to fight after being humiliated by his leader, Agamemnon.

The last book written by the most famous literary critic of his generation, on the sustaining power of poetry.

This prodigiously rich collection suggests that Raymond Carver was not only America's finest writer of short fiction, but also one of its most large-hearted and affecting poets. Like Carver's stories, the more than 300 poems in All of Us are marked by a keen attention to the physical world; an uncanny ability to compress vast feeling into discreet moments; a voice of conversational intimacy, and an unstinting sympathy.

Geoffrey Chaucer, who died in 1400, lived a surprisingly eventful life. He served with the Duke of Clarence and with Edward III, and in 1359 was taken prisoner in France and ransomed. Through his wife, Philippa, he gained the patronage of John of Gaunt, which helped him carve out a career at Court. His posts included Controller of Customs at the Port of London, Knight of the Shire for Kent, and King's Forester. He went on numerous adventurous diplomatic missions to France and Italy.

The period of English romantic poetry occurred roughly between 1800 and 1850 and was represented by poets such as William Blake, Lord Byron, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and William Wordsworth. All of these poets are featured in this collection of more than 50 poems read by award-winning actors that include Joan Allen, Julie Christie, Stephen Fry, Glenda Jackson, and Jude Law.

Eccentric and reclusive, Emily Dickinson wrote poetry that reflects the richness of her interior world and the peculiar beauty of her inner vision. During her lifetime, her poetry was considered too unusual to be publishable, but after her death in 1885, Dickinson achieved posthumous recognition as one of the great poetic voices of the 19th century. This collection, read by Alexandra O'Karma, includes commentary and some of Dickinson's letters as well as 75 of her over 900 poems, including such favorites as "Because I Could Not Stop for Death," "'Hope' Is the Thing with Feathers," "There Is No Frigate like a Book," and "There's a Certain Slant of Light."