Advanced Poetry: A Writer's Guide and Anthology

This book is a comprehensive guide for advanced poets, covering various poetic traditions, experimentation, and methods. It explores the conversations influencing contemporary poetics, its roots in historical and theoretical thinking, and encourages innovation and breaking established boundaries. It includes discussions on received traditions, innovative forms, confessional and epistolary poetry, aesthetic experimentation, methods, theories, ecopoetics, racial imaginaries, digital poetics, writing in community, revision processes, and professional materials. The book also features a carefully collated anthology showcasing the limits of what is possible in poetry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 25 January 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

For seasoned poets seeking to venture beyond the confines of conventional poetic practices, this book serves as a transformative guide. It delves into the intricate tapestry of contemporary poetics, tracing its roots to historical and theoretical frameworks. Through a rich array of practical examples, it illuminates the contexts and principles governing various poetic forms, empowering readers to embark on their creative journeys. Advanced Poetry then encourages readers to take up the pen and engage in the art of poetry themselves, fostering a deep understanding of the poetics shaping the contemporary literary landscape.

Spanning decades and continents, this comprehensive book encompasses a diverse range of poets who are actively writing today. It serves as a valuable resource for both aspiring and established poets, offering insights into the art of reading, explicating, and composing poetry. The book explores a multitude of topics, including:

Received Traditions and Innovative Forms: Examines the interplay between traditional poetic forms and innovative approaches, showcasing how poets have adapted and reimagined them to create fresh and dynamic works.

Confessional and Epistolary Poetry: Delves into the personal and intimate nature of confessional poetry, exploring the ways in which poets use their own experiences and voices to convey profound emotions and insights.

Aesthetic Experimentation with Voice: Discusses the exploration of aesthetic experimentation in poetry, including the use of different voices, tones, and registers to create unique and captivating poetic experiences.

Methods and Theories Developed by Early Surrealists: Uncovers the rich tapestry of methods and theories developed by early Surrealists, such as automatism, dream analysis, and the use of symbols and imagery.

Deep Image and the Poetics of Spells: Explores the power of imagery and the use of visual elements in poetry, emphasizing the ability of words to evoke vivid and sensory experiences.

Ecopoetics & Poetry of Place: Discusses the relationship between poetry and the natural world, exploring how poets can harness the power of place to convey ecological and environmental concerns.

Writing the Body Based on Queer Theory and Disability Studies: Examines the ways in which poetry can engage with issues of gender, sexuality, and disability, challenging traditional notions of identity and representation.

Docupoetics and Lyric Research: Discusses the use of documentary materials and personal experiences in poetry, highlighting the importance of authenticity and personal expression.

Racial Imaginaries and Poetics of Liberation: Examines the role of race and ethnicity in poetry, exploring how poets can use their work to challenge dominant narratives and promote social justice.

Digital Poetics: Discusses the emerging field of digital poetry, exploring the possibilities and challenges of writing and publishing poetry in the digital age.

Writing in Community with Other Poets and Collaborative, Interdisciplinary Projects: Discusses the value of collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches in poetry, highlighting the ways in which poets can work together to create innovative and impactful works.

Revision Processes and Putting Together a Collection or Chapbook: Offers practical advice on the revision process, including tips on how to shape and refine poetry collections and chapbooks.

Advice on Writing Artist Statements and Other Professional Materials: Provides guidance on writing effective artist statements and other professional materials, essential for showcasing one's work to a wider audience.

In addition to its comprehensive craft guide, Advanced Poetry also presents a carefully curated anthology that showcases the boundless possibilities of poetry. The book features close readings, writing prompts, excerpts from interviews with key figures in the field, and thought-provoking essays that deepen readers' understanding of contemporary poetics.

By embracing traditional structures, borrowing from other disciplines, and inventing wildly new forms, poetry since the 20th century has undergone a remarkable transformation. Advanced Poetry serves as a testament to the endless creativity and innovation that exist within the poetic realm, offering a roadmap for seasoned poets to explore the uncharted territories of their craft. Whether you are a seasoned poet or a newcomer to the world of poetry, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to expand their artistic horizons and push the boundaries of what is possible in the art of poetry.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 233 x 157 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350224582