Poems for Pleasure

by Herman M. Ward (Editor)

Book by

Genres: Poetry

Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

Reviews

[Connie Whitcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reread this for the umpteenth time. Love this little book. It was compiled for high school students, but can be enjoyed by all.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite collection of poetry. The edition I have belonged to my mother when she was a girl. It includes a wide range of works, from Shakespeare's sonnets to Robert Frost to Edgar Allen Poe. It has been a staple of my bookshelf since I was young, and I pull it out from time to time and enjoy escaping into the worn pages. My children have also enjoyed the book, which introduced them to favorites such as "Casey at the Bat" and "The Daffodils." I'm not sure if the book is still in print, but I will cherish my tattered copy until it turns into dust!

[J. Alfred · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was alternately horrified and delighted by the poem selections in this book all the way through (it's a lightning-fast read). Once I finished, I went back and read the editor's charming preface, where he defends the silly selections: he once, he admits, liked "When the Frost is on the Punkin'" more than "Ode to Autumn," and scorn from his elders about his honest preferance may have made him quit poetry altogether. He won me over.
Anyway, this is a great little collection, particularly for young readers: it even has a neat little biographical index in the back for easy referance.

[H.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this from some friends a few years ago. It was in a house they were living in at the time. I've probably read through this book half a dozen times or more. As someone who writes poetry the poems speak to me and this book has a special place in my heart. There are two poems I wish were in this book but I'll probably just copy them on a piece of paper and stick the paper in the book.

This is one of my comfort books and has a spot on my desk among my writing and reference books so it's always close at hand.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been with me for over 25 years. It's really taken a beating and I'd love to find a replacement copy. Lots of fantastic poems in this. It's what got me interested in poetry.