Rebel Angels: 25 Poets of the New Formalism

by Mark Jarman (editor), David Mason (Editor)

Rebel Angels is the first anthology to present the most exciting and unexpected new movement in American poetry - the revival of rhyme, meter, and narrative among young poets. Rebel Angels gathers the best work of twenty-five young poets who write memorably and movingly in a dazzling variety of forms - some traditional, some newly-minted - out of the diverse experiences of their generation.

Genres: Poetry, Anthologies

282 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1996

Reviews

[Jennifer]

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Wasn't sure I would like contemporary formalist poetry. Definitely a few "misses" for me in it, but I also really loved some of the poems.

[Kat]

Do not recommend. While I absolutely loved some of the poets included they included a very racist sexist white poet who uses the N-word. This book was published in the late 90s there’s zero reason for that.

The gross sexism and racism diminishes the work of the other poets.

[Abrahamus]

Overall, really delightful, refreshing, and inspiring!

[Benjamin Myers]

The most important anthology of the late 20th century.

[Jason Cady]

Many of the poems were excellent, and the anthology also included an index of forms, and a brief analysis of each poem, plus bios for each poet.

[David Hirt]

It's nice to read formal poems about modern things.

[Tim Nason]

Unfortunately the formalism of the poetry feels forced, like advanced wordplay, lacking emotional impact, story, place or consequence.