Includes bibliographical references (p. [273]-286) and index.

pt. 1 : Reading and understanding poetry. Poetry 101 ; Subject, tone, and narrative ; Tuning in to language ; The art of interpretation ; Connecting with poems from the past -- pt. 2 : In the beginning was a poem. An intelligent hustle through poetic history : from the earliest poetry to the 1700s ; An intelligent hustle through poetic history : the 19th century to the present -- pt. 3: Writing poetry : a guide for aspiring poets. Calling the muse ; Writing open-form poetry ; Working with traditional forms of verse ; Putting pen to paper : writing exercises for poets ; Going public with your poetry ; Getting published -- pt. 4: The part of tens. Ten myths about poets and poetry ; Ten poems worth memorizing ; Ten love poems.

Offers advice on how to read and write poetry, discussing different types of poetry, ways to develop one's own creative voice, and how to get one's work published, with a listing of the best publications for first-time poets.