Collected Poems

by Countee Cullen, Langston Hughes, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Carol Ann Duffy
Collected Poems cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Poetry
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Format • £11.39–£33.25
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Paperback • £22.00
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Technical
  • ID: 1541
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9781447231769
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2015-11-05
  • Formats: 122
  • Reviews: 4

Carol Ann Duffy's Collected Poems brings together the entirety of her celebrated adult poetry, from her debut Standing Female Nude to Ritual Lighting, along with her beloved Christmas poems. This volume showcases Duffy's extraordinary versatility, featuring poems that are celebratory and protesting, public and deeply personal, humorous, sensual, heartbreaking, and wise. It is both an ideal introduction for new readers and a treasure trove for longtime fans, confirming Duffy's status as one of the UK's greatest literary talents. /n/n Duffy's work has earned every major poetry prize in the United Kingdom and sold over a million copies worldwide. As Poet Laureate since 2009, her poems resonate with the belief that 'poetry is the music of being human'. This collection is a testament to her enduring impact on contemporary poetry.

Reviews
AALBC · 2025-10-08
essential 4.50

This volume is celebrated for restoring a significant body of work that is both intense and beautiful. It is part of a prestigious series that highlights American poets.

The reviewer emphasizes the importance of this collection in bringing back into print a body of work that has been overlooked. The poems are described as having a singular intensity and beauty, making them a valuable addition to any poetry collection. The inclusion in the Library of America's American Poets Project series underscores the significance of Cullen's contributions to American literature. The reviewer suggests that this volume serves as a comprehensive introduction to Cullen's literary output, making it accessible to both new and seasoned readers.

Quick quotes

    This volume restores to print a body of work of singular intensity and beauty.

    This is volume #32 in The Library of America's American Poets Project series.

    The collection serves as a useful introduction to Cullen's overall literary output.

Reddit - r/Poetry · 2025-10-08
comprehensive 4.50

The collection is extensive and offers a comprehensive look at Millay's work. The reviewer finds it to be a valuable resource for any poetry enthusiast.

The reviewer on Reddit praises the Collected Poems for its comprehensiveness, noting that it includes a vast array of Millay's work, making it an excellent resource for both new and seasoned readers. They appreciate the depth and variety of the collection, which allows for a thorough exploration of Millay's poetic style and themes. The reviewer also mentions the affordability and accessibility of the collection, making it a great choice for anyone looking to dive into Millay's poetry. Overall, it is seen as a worthwhile investment for poetry lovers.

Quick quotes

    All the Millay you could ever want (or enough to keep you reading for quite a while).

    Approximately 740 pages of her work for $13 new.

    Enjoy!

The StoryGraph · 2025-10-08
emotional 3.50

Millay's poems are deeply emotional and rich in detail, particularly her works on grief. However, the reviewer found it challenging to connect with all of her pieces.

The reviewer is captivated by Edna St. Vincent Millay's ability to convey intense emotions and her keen eye for detail. Her poems on grief are particularly impactful and resonate deeply. However, the reviewer admits that not every poem in the collection struck a chord with them, making the experience somewhat uneven. The collection is praised for its emotional depth and the vivid imagery that Millay employs, but the reviewer feels that personal connection is key to appreciating her work fully.

Quick quotes

    Edna St Vincent Millay's poems are lovely - she feels intensely and has an eye for detail, and her poems about grief hit you HARD.

    However I just couldn't connect with all of them.

    Millay's poetry is still decisively modern in its message, and it continues to resonate with readers facing personal and moral issues that defy the test of time.

Waterstones · 2022-11-08
timeless 4.00

The annotated edition is beautifully produced and re-presents Millay's work with fresh relevance. The reviewer appreciates the timelessness of her poetry.

This annotated edition of Edna St. Vincent Millay's Selected Poems is noted for its high-quality production and thoughtful annotations. The reviewer highlights how these additions bring new life to Millay's work, making it accessible and relevant to modern readers. The poetry is celebrated for its enduring themes and the way it continues to speak to contemporary issues, proving that Millay's insights are timeless. The reviewer finds the collection to be a valuable addition to any poetry lover's library, offering both aesthetic and intellectual satisfaction.

Quick quotes

    This beautifully produced first annotated edition of Edna St. Vincent Millay's oeuvre re-presents the work of the Jazz Age's most famous poet.

    Millay's poetry is still decisively modern in its message, and it continues to resonate with readers facing personal and moral issues that defy the test of time.

    The work of the Jazz Age's most famous poet.

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