Featured In Fine Form: The Canadian Book of Form Poetry
Co-edited with Sandy Shreve
This exciting, comprehensive and groundbreaking anthology explores Canadian form poetry from the sixteenth century to the present day. The result is more than 40 forms and 175 poems that will appeal to poets and readers, teachers and students. A section for each form with a brief introduction, outline of how to write it, and examples, including variations, encourages readers to pick up a pen – or just enjoy.
Book Title: In Fine Form: The Canadian Book of Form Poetry
Book Type: Poetry anthology and how-to
Published: Vancouver: Polestar, 2005. Now Toronto: Tightrope Books, 2011.
ISBN: 978-1-55192-777-0
In Print?: Yes
Available From: Your local retail or on-line bookseller, or from Tightrope Books
Description: The first anthology exploring formal poetry (that is, poetry using rhyme, repetition, metre and/or rhythm) in Canada from the sixteenth century to present day. Explores more than 40 forms including sonnet, haiku, glosa, pantoum, ghazal and villanelle, and two forms not previously included in anthologies of formal poetry, the palindrome and fugue. There is a brief introduction to each form, a summary of its traditional structure and several examples – with variations – from Canadian writers. An extended essay explores common poetic terms and technical devices. Written for writers interested in stepping outside free verse, as well as for educators looking for a guide to teaching traditional and modern poetry.
“…the book serves as a call to arms, a rallying cry for an embrace of formal poetics…a paradigm shift.”
- Quill and Quire
“…geared to students of creative writing and poetry, it’s a highly accessible resource for any reader. The prose annotations are clear, succinct, engaging and not at all intimidating.”
- The Vancouver Sun
“This book is rich, enjoyable, and hugely various. It is a wonderful resource for students and teachers alike, reminding us of the play and pleasure of poetry as art and craft.”
- Nancy Holmes, University of British Columbia, Okanagan
“…an accomplished, much-needed collection that fills a voice in the Can Lit cannon.”
- The Georgia Straight
“…the accurate notes, bibliography and indexes make In Fine Form an admirable teaching tool. Moreover, it’s a fine all-Canadian anthology.”
- The Globe and Mail
“…a unique and significant book.”
- CV2
