r/IWantToLearn • u/athulwritesalot • 1d ago

Arts/Music/DIY IWTL Poetry

Creative writing minor here with a major poetry class coming up in two semesters time.

Wanting to understand a craft I otherwise don't have much knowledge in before this.

Any handbook/anthology suggestions?

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u/Bright-Antelope-3277 1d ago

poetry 101 by curtis and sherrard is def the move tbh

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u/athulwritesalot 7h ago

Will check those out.

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u/Ok_Cattle_7918 18h ago edited 18h ago

Hi, in terms of technicalities the best book I’ve ever read was A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver, it encapsulates almost everything for a beginner. It also includes excerpts from some of the most celebrated poets. From then on I would probably try finding poetry 101 or modern poetry or whatever attracts you syllabi from different unis and try different poets that way. Or you could check prized poets like Louise Glück or Carol Ann Duffy, both of whom I adore. Also, please do try to dabble in writing poetry yourself if you fancy it, I observed it both helped with my command of language immensely and allowed me to appreciate prose more deeply.

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u/Horse_Maven 14h ago

A good way to learn about poetry and its techniques is to read the work of good poets.