Poet's Choice

What is the honorific for a former poet laureate? Calling the editor "Mr. Hass" is too stiff for the friendly, easy tone he takes as he leads us to and through an amazing assortment of poems. But the journalistic reduction to merely "Hass" doesn't suitably honor the knowledge he shares. The British would knight him and we could say Sir Robert.Off topic you say? Hey, you've read the official reviews and the synopsis. This is merely a rave.Try it .. you'll like it.

This volume collects Robert Haas's columns on poetry, which he published in the Washington Post during his time as poet laureate. Although they are organized seasonally, that structure does not become cloying. Haas presents a poem, suggesting ways in which the language works, offering some background on the writer or the volume in which he found it. I enjoy dipping into the volume and have bought copies for friends. I am considering adopting it as a supplement in my Study of Poetry class. If you enjoy poetry, but have not been actively paying attention to contemporary writers, this book is a must buy.

Hass, our recent Poet Laureate, selects from his weekly column on poetry in the Washington Post Book World every Sunday, now syndicated around the country. Through the seasons, Hass introduces modern poets and not-so-modern, with a story, some biographical tidbits, an appreciative interpretation. His affection for poetry is on every page, his appreciation broad and deep, and his touch with those of us who are not used to reading poetry very often is sensitive. As a book to dip into time and again, as a book to introduce oneself to modern poetry and poets and the traditions from which they sprang, as a gift of one fine poet to a wider audience ... this book is a gem.