Essential Poetry

Few writers have so brilliantly and poignantly conjured the desperation and absurdity of ordinary life as Charles Bukowski. Resonant with his powerful, perceptive voice, his visceral, hilarious, and transcendent poetry speaks to us as forcefully today as when it was written. Encompassing a wide range of subjects—from love to death and sex to writing—Bukowski’s unvarnished and self-deprecating verse illuminates the deepest and most enduring concerns of the human condition while remaining sharply aware of the day to day.

More than 100 years after his birth, Pablo Neruda's poetry is as vital and beloved as ever. This collection presents 50 of the most essential poems by one of history's greatest poets in dynamic new translations, the result of an unprecedented collaboration among a team of poets, translators, and the world's leading Neruda scholars.

One of the most celebrated poets in the English language, William Blake crafted visions of Heaven, Hell, God, and Apocalypse. Effortlessly leaping from philosophy, to nursery rhymes, to mystic visions, Blake left a body of work that still puzzles scholars, and thrills listeners. So sit beside William Blake, and let him tell you of the Tyger, the Lamb, and the Everlasting Gospel.

This varied, well-chosen selection brings onto one audiobook the best of Dylan Thomas. Here is the legendary recording of "Under Milk Wood", with Richard Burton and Richard Bebb as narrators; but here also are two radio productions he wrote before that great classic, and though interesting in their own right, they show how "Under Milk Wood" grew gradually in his imagination.

This collection of John Milton's finest poetry offers an ideal overview of his work. It is read by several of Britain's foremost classical actors, including Anton Lesser, Samantha Bond and Derek Jacobi. Milton's uncompromising views set him firmly on the side of Cromwell, putting his life in danger when the Stuart monarchy was restored.

Embark on a soul-stirring journey into the heart of love with "Rumi Eternal Love Poems: Essential Verses Of Romance, Love And Compassion." This book invites you to immerse yourself in the timeless wisdom and profound beauty of Rumi's poetry, where every verse is a testament to the power of love and compassion. In this book, you'll discover a curated collection of Rumi's most essential love poems, carefully selected to capture the essence of romance, passion, and spiritual connection.

Engaging closely with the violence, oppression, and injustice that she witnessed in her lifetime, Muriel Rukeyser was one of the seminal poets of the mid-twentieth century. Closely informed by issues relating to equality, social justice, feminism, and Judaism, her impassioned poetry was often seen as a mode of social protest, but it was also heralded for its deep emotional impact. The Essential Muriel Rukeyser represents the curation of Rukeyser’s most enduring and urgent work, gathered in one volume that spans the many decades of her life and career.

Here are the most exciting and essential parts of two historic, epic poems: the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey". The ancient words of Homer find a new home in today's world - spoken aloud, just as Homer intended. Translated by Stanley Lombardo.

Celebrating James Tate’s work as it transcends convention, time, and everything that tells us, “No, you can’t do that,” Hell, I Love Everybody gives us the poet at his best, his most intimate, hopeful, inventive, and brilliant. John Ashbery called Tate the “poet of possibilities,” and this collection records forays into possibilities for American poetry’s future. With a foreword by Terrance Hayes, it is sure to give listeners new and old a lasting collection of favorites.

Mas de cien anos despues de su nacimiento, la poesia de Pablo Neruda es tan vital y querida como siempre. Esta coleccion presenta cincuenta poemas esenciales de uno de los mas grandes poetas de la historia en nuevas traducciones dinamicas, fruto de una colaboracion sin precedentes entre un equipo de poetas, traductores y los principales eruditos del mundo.Una seleccion definitiva que se basa en toda la amplitud de los diferentes estilos, temas y periodos de Neruda.

This audiobook contains the most exciting and essential parts of the Iliad, capturing the final 50 days of the Trojan war and bringing to life ancient men and heroic battles. It provides an integral beginning to the infamous journey of Odysseus. Translated by Stanley Lombardo.

In this story the child is invited on a journey where packing an imaginary suit case brings new meaning and adventure. It is a game for the child to engage in with “Pretend” as a character who is always available to join them. “The Case Suit” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will be invited to investigate what the narrator chooses to pack and travel with to any destination imagination can create. The destination is open-ended so the child will participate with curiosity and play.

In this story the child is invited on a journey where the narrator must find courage to take on a new challenge. The Animal Kingdom characters of Bravery and Bolder are called in to assist and model strength for the child. "The Away Cast” plays on the meanings of the word "cast." It is used as term for the cast of a play and also as a to examine the idea of the fear related to being "cast out." The story unfolds with the narrator auditioning for a play even though it creates some anxiety and discomfort.

In this story the child is invited on a journey where self empowerment is modeled through an interaction between the narrator and a fictionalized character known as the Catcher Dream. This is a story where the narrator models strength and courage once an uncomfortable matter is identified through self-assessment. "The Catcher Dream” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that they are individuals in charge of safeguarding their physical and emotional space.

In this story the child is invited on a journey where blocks are the destination. Block play is such an incredible opportunity for children to learn on so many levels that the author felt a book dedicated just to them was important. “The Blocks Building” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will be invited to explore why blocks are so engaging and perfect for the world of pretend. Block play is about freedom of thought, choice, and unknown outcomes.

In this story the child is invited to experience their sleep-time ritual with the comfort of Nature nearby. It is a remarkable combination of relaxation yet imagination igniting prose. “The World Small” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that no matter where they are on the planet, Nature has common elements. She is always available for discovery and wonder. In the story Nature is personified as a unifying presence to our planet.

. In this story the child is invited on a pet walking journey. This journey is full of surprises as the outing unfolds with the pet choosing the path. The narrator realizes that this is a fun and welcome way to spend time outside with the pet. “THE WAY TEDDY” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that spontaneous decisions can lead to fun adventures. The pet has its own ideas which allow for both freedom and adventure. Choices are a main theme that the author embraces in this light-hearted story.

In this story the child is invited on a journey to the Arctic where the Animal Kingdom there enhances the adventure. The child will naturally engage with the immediate introduction to the main character, Teddy. “The Bear Teddy” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will observe that there is inspiration to be found in the natural world around them and in far-off distant lands.

In this story the child is invited to experience their mornings in a unique and beautiful way. The optimism that the story presents is practical as well as heart-warming. "The Morning Good" offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that every morning is a fresh new day, with unlimited adventures to embrace. It has a rhythm which encourages the child to look upon each morning as special.

In this story the child is invited on a journey into space when the narrator is unable to sleep during the night. An interesting character known as the Tinker Sleep is introduced towards the end of the book and has been created to personify slumber. "The Tinker Sleep" offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that if their sleep is interrupted, just writing it down on paper can be helpful. They can use a journal, diary, notebook or pad as a temporary tool to find their way back to sleep.