The Greatest "Anthologies, Poetry" Books Since 1900

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Anthologies

Anthologies are collections of literary works, such as short stories, poems, or essays, compiled into a single volume. These books often showcase the works of multiple authors, providing readers with a diverse range of perspectives and styles. Anthologies can be organized around a theme, genre, or time period, and are often used in classrooms or book clubs as a way to explore different literary voices and themes. They offer readers the opportunity to discover new writers and to appreciate the breadth and depth of the written word.

Poetry

Poetry is a genre of literature that uses language to evoke emotion, paint vivid imagery, and convey complex ideas through the use of rhythm, meter, and sound. It is characterized by its use of figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, and its ability to capture the essence of a moment or experience in a concise and powerful way. Poetry can take many forms, including sonnets, haikus, free verse, and spoken word, and can cover a wide range of topics, from love and nature to politics and social issues. As a category for books, poetry offers readers a unique and intimate glimpse into the human experience, inviting them to explore the beauty and complexity of language and the world around them.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download
  1. 1. Collected Poems of W. B. Yeats by William Butler Yeats

    This book is a comprehensive collection of poems by a renowned Irish poet. The collection spans his entire career, showcasing his evolution as a poet, from romantic and aesthetic works to more complex, mature pieces reflecting his interest in spirituality and Irish mythology. The book includes his most famous works, as well as lesser-known pieces, providing a thorough overview of his contribution to 20th century literature.

    The 217th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Poems of Robert Frost by Robert Frost

    This collection of poetry showcases the work of a renowned American poet, featuring his signature exploration of rural life, complex social and philosophical themes, and vividly depicted New England landscapes. The anthology includes some of his most famous poems, marked by a mastery of language, precise imagery, and a keen ear for the sound of spoken word. His poems often touch on the beauty of nature, the human condition, and the dichotomy between life and death, demonstrating his profound understanding of the human experience.

    The 311th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Collected Poems by Wallace Stevens

    "Collected Poems" is a compilation of the author's lifetime work in poetry, showcasing his unique style of combining philosophy and aesthetics into his verse. His poems, often complex and introspective, explore themes of reality, imagination, and the nature of the human mind. The collection is known for its rich imagery and profound contemplation, offering readers a deep and thought-provoking exploration of life and consciousness.

    The 426th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Complete Poems by Elizabeth Bishop

    "Complete Poems" is a comprehensive collection of works by a renowned poet, showcasing her mastery of language and imagery. The book features a wide range of themes including travel, nature, loss, and human connection. The poet's keen eye for detail, unique perspectives, and her ability to infuse ordinary moments with profound insights, make this collection a compelling exploration of the human experience.

    The 521st Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Poems of W. H. Auden by W. H. Auden

    This book is a collection of poems by a renowned 20th-century poet. The poems cover a wide range of themes, including love, politics, religion, and the human condition. The poet's unique style combines traditional forms with modernist free verse and his work is known for its technical achievement, emotional depth, and engagement with moral and political issues. The collection provides an overview of the poet's career, showcasing his development and evolution as a writer.

    The 562nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Collected Poems of T.S. Eliot by T. S. Eliot

    This collection includes the works of a renowned 20th-century poet, featuring his most famous pieces such as "The Waste Land," "Four Quartets," and "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock." The poet's works are known for their profound exploration of existential despair, disillusionment, and spiritual emptiness, often employing complex, fragmented structures and numerous allusions to mythology, religion, and contemporary culture. This compilation provides a comprehensive look at the poet's influential contribution to modernist literature.

    The 579th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Complete Poetry and Selected Prose of John Donne by John Donne

    This book is a comprehensive collection of the renowned metaphysical poet's work, featuring all of his poetry and a selection of his prose. The collection includes his sensual and spiritual poems, satires, elegies, and sermons, showcasing his unique blend of intellect and emotion, wit and wisdom. The book offers readers a deep insight into the poet's complex mind and a thorough understanding of his contributions to 17th-century English literature.

    The 651st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson by Ralph Waldo Emerson

    This book is a comprehensive collection of works by a renowned American philosopher and poet. It includes his most influential essays, lectures, and poetry, providing readers with a deep insight into his thoughts on nature, self-reliance, love, friendship, freedom, and the importance of intellectual independence. The book serves as a guide to the author's transcendental philosophy and his belief in individualism, nonconformity, and the inherent goodness of man and nature.

    The 725th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Collected Poems of Dylan Thomas by Dylan Thomas

    This collection presents a comprehensive compilation of works by a renowned 20th-century poet, known for his powerful, rhythmic and visionary verse. The book includes all of his poems, from his early, surrealistic pieces to his later, more personal and introspective works, reflecting the poet's profound fascination with life, death, and the human condition. The compilation also features his most famous pieces, renowned for their musicality and for the unique, captivating voice that has made him one of the most celebrated poets of his time.

    The 1190th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Collected Poems Of Edward Thomas by Edward Thomas

    The book is an anthology of poetry from a notable early 20th-century poet whose work delves into themes of nature, the English countryside, and the human experience, often reflecting on the transient beauty of the world and the melancholy of war. His verse is characterized by a deep appreciation for the landscape, a sense of nostalgia, and a profound contemplation of life and death, influenced by his own experiences and the turmoil of the era in which he lived. The collection brings together a range of his poems, showcasing his talent for rich imagery, emotional depth, and a quiet, reflective tone that has cemented his place as a significant figure in English poetry.

    The 1325th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters

    "Spoon River Anthology" is a collection of short free-form poems that tell the epitaphs of the residents of a fictional small town, Spoon River, which is modeled after the small towns of the author's youth. The poems reveal the honest, often harsh realities of life, as each deceased citizen tells their own tale of love, despair, success, failure, and the human condition. The book is a commentary on the hypocrisy, moral corruption, and societal constraints of early 20th century rural America.

    The 2215th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Complete Poems of Marianne Moore by Marianne Moore

    This comprehensive collection comprises the complete works of a renowned 20th-century poet, known for her precise and innovative use of language. The poems range from the early to late stages of her career, reflecting her changing perspectives and evolving style. The poet's unique voice, often characterized by her keen observations, wit, and love for nature, shines through in this collection, making it a must-read for both scholars and fans of modernist poetry.

    The 1595th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Collected Works of Edna St. Vincent Millay by Edna St. Vincent Millay

    This collection encompasses the prolific works of a renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning poet. The book includes her famous sonnets, lyrical poems, and plays, all of which are marked by their romanticism, feminism, and social and political commentary. Her profound exploration of human emotions and experiences, particularly love and loss, along with her distinctive poetic style, has left an indelible mark on American literature.

    The 1603rd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Wild Swans at Coole by William Butler Yeats

    "The Wild Swans at Coole" is a collection of poems that reflect upon the transformation of life and the unchanging aspect of nature. The author uses the symbol of swans to express the themes of love, loss, beauty, and the passing of time. The poems are marked by a strong sense of melancholy and longing, as well as an acute awareness of the transience of life. The collection is also notable for its exploration of Irish mythology and folklore.

    The 2152nd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The New Oxford Book Of English Verse by Helen Gardner

    This anthology is a comprehensive collection of English poetry, spanning centuries from the medieval period to the 20th century. It showcases the evolution of English verse, featuring works from a wide array of poets, both renowned and lesser-known. The selection emphasizes the richness and diversity of English poetic tradition, offering readers a broad spectrum of themes, styles, and perspectives. Edited by a distinguished scholar, the collection is curated to highlight the beauty, complexity, and depth of English literature, making it an essential volume for poetry enthusiasts and a valuable resource for students of English literature.

    The 2152nd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Selected Works of Cesare Pavese by Cesare Pavese

    This collection showcases the best works of a renowned Italian author and poet who was deeply influenced by American literature and culture. The book includes his writings that explore themes of loneliness, self-loathing, and existential despair, often set against the backdrop of rural Italy. The author's unique style of storytelling, characterized by his use of simple language and profound introspection, is highlighted in this compilation.

    The 2203rd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Poems, New And Collected, 1957 1997 by Wislawa Szymborska

    This book is a collection of poems written by Wislawa Szymborska from 1957 to 1997. The poems explore a wide range of topics, including love, death, nature, and the human experience. With her unique and thought-provoking style, Szymborska delves into the complexities of life, often with a touch of humor and irony. Through her powerful and evocative language, she invites readers to reflect on the profound and sometimes contradictory aspects of existence.

    The 2273rd Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Christina Rossetti: The Complete Poems by Christina Georgina Rossetti

    This book is a comprehensive collection of poems by a renowned 19th-century poet. It includes all her known works, ranging from her youthful verses, devotional poems, and love lyrics to her later, darker musings on mortality. The collection showcases the author's mastery of rhythm and rhyme, her rich use of imagery, and her exploration of themes such as love, loss, and spirituality. It offers readers a chance to immerse themselves in the depth and beauty of her poetic world.

    The 2360th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Dreamtigers by Jorge Luis Borges

    "Dreamtigers" is a collection of short stories, essays, and poems that delve into the realm of metaphysics, infinity, mirrors, and changing identities. The book explores the author's fascination with the dream world and the blurred boundaries between reality and imagination. The narrative is filled with complex themes, paradoxes, and illusions, often inspired by the author's own experiences and his love for literature and philosophy.

    The 2636th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Collected Poems by Nils Ferlin

    "Collected Poems" is a compilation of the works of a renowned Swedish poet, capturing the essence of his unique style and lyrical prowess. The poems explore various themes such as love, life, death, and the human condition, often with a touch of melancholy and a keen sense of observation. The poet's ability to weave intricate emotions and vivid imagery into his verses makes this collection a testament to his literary genius.

    The 2711th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The Complete Poems by Philip Larkin

    "The Complete Poems" is a comprehensive collection of works by a renowned poet. The book includes all of his published poems, as well as a number of unpublished pieces, offering readers a full view of his literary prowess. His poetry often reflects on life's mundane realities and the human condition, exploring themes of love, death, and time with a unique blend of wit, melancholy, and piercing insight. The collection serves as an essential resource for both scholars and fans of his work.

    The 2928th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Paroles by Jacques Prévert

    "Paroles" is a collection of poetry that delves into the human condition with simplicity, humor, and poignancy. The poems capture the essence of everyday life, love, and the ironies of society, often through the lens of the common people and the Parisian streets. The language is accessible yet evocative, painting vivid images and emotions that resonate with a wide audience. The work is celebrated for its ability to convey profound insights through seemingly ordinary moments, reflecting the poet's unique voice and his ability to find beauty in the mundane.

    The 3038th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. One Hundred and One Poems by Paul Verlaine by Paul Verlaine

    This is a collection of 101 poems by a renowned French poet, showcasing his unique style and themes. The poems touch on a variety of subjects, including love, nature, and the human condition. The author's use of rhythm, rhyme, and vivid imagery creates a deeply emotional and evocative reading experience. His work is known for its musicality and its ability to evoke strong emotions, making this collection a must-read for any lover of poetry.

    The 3040th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. The Collected Works of Paul Valéry by Paul Valéry

    "The Collected Works of Paul Valéry" is an anthology of the renowned French author's most significant pieces, including poetry, essays, and philosophical musings. The book offers a comprehensive look at his diverse body of work, which is known for its intricate exploration of the human mind and consciousness, as well as its profound insights into art, culture, and the nature of thought. This collection serves as a testament to the author's intellectual depth and his remarkable ability to articulate complex ideas with elegance and precision.

    The 3075th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. North Of Boston by Robert Frost

    "North of Boston" is a collection of poems that delve into the rural life and landscape of New England, capturing the beauty, hardships, and complex social relationships of early 20th-century America. Through its verses, the book explores themes of nature, human connection, isolation, and the passage of time, often through the lens of the region's stark seasons and the stoic, resilient character of its inhabitants. The poems range from narrative to dramatic, with a focus on everyday events and the subtle dramas unfolding in the lives of ordinary people, all rendered with the author's keen observational skills and a deep appreciation for the nuances of spoken language.

    The 3093rd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download