Best Loved Poems of the American People

Best Loved Poems of the American People

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4.37 of 5 stars 4.37  ·  rating details  ·  369 ratings  ·  53 reviews
More than 1,500,000 copies in print! Over 575traditional favorites to be read and reread.Categorized by theme, and indexed by author and firstline, this is a collection that will be treasured....more
Hardcover, 704 pages
Published October 1st 1936 by Doubleday (first published 1936)
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Ilana
My mother in 1964 gave this book to my grandfather. When he died my aunt somehow got it, she recently returned it to my mother. I immediately procured it for my collection. Its spine is broken from ware, I can tell my grandfather loved it. I do too, it is wonderful collection of poetry, It has some of my favorite poems and some new ones. 'Strictly Germ-Proof' is a wonderful humorous that my mother and aunt read when they were young and is now a favorite of mine.
Dan Chance
The section titles of this book invite you to sample the feast within: Childhood and youth, Humor and whimsey and on and on. This is a book I'll never tire of holding. Memories take me back to sheltered times. I may have been a benighted fool but these poems never ceased to please and instruct: from the tale of the organist to the story of two glasses one for water and one for wine.

Some of the best from Wordsworth and other stalwarts as well as unknown authors who nonetheless left coverlets of s...more
Susan
Jul 20, 2011 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: poems
I remember learning to read from this book. One line still sticks in my mind "...boots, slog, slogging over Africa..." Not the best poem, but one a six-year-old could read.

My dad had this book and read from it all the time. Christmas just wouldn't have been the same without hearing "Annie & Willie's Prayer." When the spine broke and the book fell apart, I bought my own copy. Now it is also broken and falling apart. This is a wonderful collection.
Anita Entz
Aug 19, 2012 Anita Entz rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone
Recommended to Anita by: my parents
I got this book from my parents. It has been my words of joy in times of happiness, my solace in times of loss, my friend when I was lonely, & it restored my sence of humor when I am stressed. This should be in every classroom in America. The magic of assembling our everyday words to paint pictures in our minds eye should be taught to everyone. If there was a radio station that had readings from it, it would be sheer joy. People have forgotten the wonder, they are all (myself included) have...more
Matt
I purchased this book for more nostalgia value then anything else. My mother read from this book every Christmas Eve as we sat around the fireplace. I imagine the fact that she had to find poems that would appeal to my dad, my brother and I is the reason why I now associate The Charge of the Light Brigade and Casey at the Bat with Christmas.

And though I am aware of its maudlin qualities, I think Annie and Willie's Prayer will remain a Christmas staple for me.
Xolindsayxx18
I am 15 years old and found this poetry book at a used book store for a dollar, and decided to buy it since I loved reading and wanted to make myself more 'rounded', though I did not expect to enjoy it. Now if you find my copy you see sticky notes and books marks marking all my favorites. I read this often when I can't sleep despite the fact that is has an old cigar smell, and dog eared pages, courtesy of its previous owner. Wonderful collection!
Terri Lynn
Oh how I adore this book! I have had this lovely and very old book of poems for a long, long time and not a day goes by without me dipping in and pulling out a treasure to read and reread and savor. Poems can be like gentle rain or a mysterious fog swirling about us. There is magic to poetry and this book is a wonderful balm. If you find a copy, do grab hold of it. This is not something you will read once then put away to get dusty.
Missoxley
I first discovered this gem on my mother's book case when I was in junior high. I opened it to find her maiden name written on the inside cover. I underlined so much and dog-egged it so much throughout the years that it has become my own. I took it to college with me, and when I graduated I read from it that morning to collect my thoughts. Needless to say, I love this book
Joanna
My Mother read to me from this book when I was a young girl. She read poems that tell a story, and short inspirational poems. I carry many of these thoughts and words with me and they are a source of joy and peace. I would recommend that all children be feed a healthy dose of this book to nourish their minds and hearts.
Larsenross
Received this book for a wedding gift.

Includes poems that I have read again and again. The poems cover all aspects of life. A couple of the poems has given me pause.

I did not think much of the gift on our wedding day but after over 30 years of marriage, I highly value this book of poems.
Christy
Nov 30, 2011 Christy is currently reading it
So far we are NOT impressed. We've read the Patriotism and War section with only one notable poem and the Humor and Wimsy section is just plain stupid. I really hope they get better because I am turning my boys off poetry fast.
Trini
I revere this book. My grandfather had the original 1936 publication, and this was one of my bedtime storybooks from the age of 4 and up. As the only grandchild for 7 infinitely long and joyous years, I stayed with my grandparents almost every weekend. My grandfather heavily discouraged the reading of "baby books" (his term, not mine) like "Three Little Pigs", "Goldilocks", etc. So, part of the nightly ritual was to read a few poems or something from the classic genre. I grew up loving this book...more
Diana Anstett
Great post-WWII poem collection. Especially like the poems about patriotism, tells a story, and humor. Miss Fogerty's Cake, Casey at the Bat, I Had But Fifty Cents, Yung Charlotte.
Devora
Given that its the 'best loved' some of the selcetions where of better quality than others. However, on the whole it was an amazing collection that I shall keep coming back to.
Graela
I grew up reading and memorizing from an old black hardbound copy of this book. I have it now and it is still my favorite book of poetry.
Sandra
Received this book for my graduation from high school 50 in 1968. It has many poems that are often quoted. Just a good book for anyone's shelf.
Megan
A great selection of the best poetry ever written. I have found some of my favorite poets through reading this compilation.
Jeanne
A treasure trove of various poetry. I've had my book since the 70s and still return to find a golden gem when needed.
Michele M
Enjoyed most, really not into most poetry, but many were fun reads, and some fun deep reads.
Emily
Excellent anthology, and a must for anyone with even a casual love for poetry.
Nancy Houston Fields
Love this book! I never tire of reading and re-reading this collection.
Bev
Includes "My Christmas Train" by Ethel Ceclia Eccles
Fangirl
A great collection of poems from many different poets.
meeschka
a poem a day! love it. LOVE the country cover.
Jessica
This is my favorite and my second one.
Stephanie "Jedigal"
Gift from Alma to Dad, Christmas 1968.
Jessica Pavilanis-thompson
One of my all-time favorite books ever!
A. M.
My go-to book for poetry!
*Christie*
Love this anthology
Mellanee
May 19, 2010 Mellanee is currently reading it
This book is so wonderful!
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The Best Loved Poems of the American People (Hardcover)
Best Loved Poems of the American People (Hardcover)
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