From Song of Myself (A Poem from The Poets' Corner)

The One-and-Only Poetry Book for the Whole Family

From listening to his grandmother recite epic poems from memory to curling up in bed while his father read funny verses, award-winning actor John Lithgow grew up with poetry. Ever since, John has been an enthusiastic seeker of poetic experience, whether reading, reciting, or listening to great poems.

The wide variety of carefully selected poems in this book provides the perfect introduction to appeal to readers new to poetry, and for poetry lovers to experience beloved verses in a fresh, vivid way. William Blake, Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allan Poe, and Dylan Thomas are just a few names among Lithgow's comprehensive list of poetry masters. His essential criterion is that "each poem's light shines more brightly when read aloud." This unique package provides a multimedia poetry experience with a bonus MP3 CD of revelatory poetry readings by John and the familiar voices of such notable performers as Eileen Atkins, Kathy Bates, Glenn Close, Billy Connolly, Jodie Foster, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, Lynn Redgrave, Susan Sarandon, Gary Sinise, and Sam Waterston.

Every reader will enjoy reciting or listening to these poems with the entire family, appreciating how each one comes to life through the spoken word in this superlative poetry collection.

Totally delighted

Love John lithgow so much. Such a fantastic narrator. Loved all the guest speakers. It’s definitely not a typical collection of poetry and that was nice. There were some old reliables in there. But overall it was nice to be introduced to poems if not heard and his analysis of them is superb so even if I didn’t like the poem I really enjoyed his analysis, commentary and final words. I was able to appreciate those I didn’t like and listened twice to ones I loved. I especially appreciate the chapters actually being listed so I could go back to specific poets and analysis. Really enjoyed this. I want more.

A book even the poetry adverse can enjoy

Lithgow doesn't just read the poems, he provides context about the poets, who they were, when they lived, how they wrote. And, after reading the poem he offers suggestions of other poems by the same author for the listener to enjoy. This format is far more effective then just reading the poem. And the "guest readers" do an amazing job.

Poetry tends to be undervalued in our modern society, but this is a book that even the poetry-adverse can enjoy.

A Real Pleasure & A Treasure

So worth the $!!! Something you'll listen to again and again. Very charmingly done and very informative, especially if you really don't know much about poetry. John is a charming host and the other readers are pretty good. You also get a small history of each poet. Well worth every penny..........wish he would do another.

Comfort Listen

I keep coming back to this collection by John Lithgow.
The poems are well chosen, well presented and the analysis are succinct but thought provoking.
Narrators are unparalleled and unique.
I enjoy it more with every relisten.
John Lithgow makes you feel the love of poetry he feels himself.

Legendary

This audiobook is worth it’s weight in gold. The poets are the backbone of the ages. Then she puts a variety of actors and actresses that are amazing makes this book a must have.