The American Sonnet: An Anthology of Poems and Essays

Dora Malech and Laura T. Smith have collected and highlighted a diverse range of sonnets by established and emerging poets, showcasing connections across literary moments and movements. The sonnets are accompanied by critical essays that represent the burgeoning field of American sonnet studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 382 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2023
Publisher: University of Iowa Press

Dora Malech and Laura T. Smith, two accomplished poet and scholar team, have embarked on a remarkable endeavor to gather and bring to the forefront an extensive collection of sonnets, encompassing both traditional and formally subversive compositions by established and emerging poets. Their meticulous research uncovers profound connections across literary eras and movements, showcasing the rich tapestry of sonnetry. The roster of poets featured in this compilation is truly impressive, encompassing a diverse range of talents. Phillis Wheatley, Fredrick Goddard Tuckerman, Emma Lazarus, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Gertrude Stein, Fradel Shtok, Claude McKay, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Ruth Muskrat Bronson, Langston Hughes, Muriel Rukeyser, Gwendolyn Brooks, Dunstan Thompson, Rhina P. Espaillat, Lucille Clifton, Marilyn Hacker, Wanda Coleman, Patricia Smith, Jericho Brown, and Diane Seuss are just a few of the luminaries whose sonnets grace this collection.

In addition to the collection of sonnets, the book also features critical essays that expertly weave together a diverse array of voices, methodologies, and historical and theoretical perspectives. These essays represent the burgeoning field of American sonnet studies, offering insightful insights and interpretations that deepen our understanding and appreciation of this poetic form.

Dora Malech and Laura T. Smith's dedication to the revival and exploration of the sonnet form is evident in every page of this remarkable book. Their meticulous research, combined with their insightful commentary, makes Sonnets an essential resource for scholars, poets, and anyone with a passion for literature. This collection not only showcases the enduring power of the sonnet but also contributes to the ongoing development of American sonnet studies, ensuring that this poetic form continues to thrive and inspire generations to come.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781609388713