I first became acquainted with Robert Hass in the 1970's, through a little book he wrote called Field Guide. I was charmed by that book back then. So I was excited to find this book (at a Borders Close-Out sale)and was ready to fall in love with him all over again. That didn't happen. This compilation included some poems from Field Guide as well as many subsequent books, including the Pulitzer Prize winning Time and Materials. So I'm glad to have it in my library. But, overall, Hass's poems were stodgier and more restrained than I expected. But we're older now, and I've read a lot of poetry since then. I did admire his skill, the breadth of his subjects, and his obvious dedication to poetry.