The Poetry Rocks! series continues with two volumes, each introducing 11 respected poets in chapters that include succinct biographical profiles, a few short poems or excerpts from longer ones, and discussions briefly summarizing and interpreting aspects of the verse. Adding a textbook-like element to the titles, the questions that conclude the discussion sections seem more likely to appeal to teachers than to students. The books' organization and presentation are clear, though the titles' terms of "contemporary" and "modern" are rather broadly applied. Spotlighting poets Theodore Roethke, Elizabeth Bishop, William Stafford, Robert Lowell, Gwendolyn Brooks, Richard Wilbur, Allen Ginsberg, W. S. Merwin, Sylvia Plath, Billy Collins, and Louise Glück, Contemporary American Poetry offers a quick but quite readable introduction to each one. Illustrated mainly with photos and other portraits of the poets, the books use colorful backgrounds for introductions, poems, and sidebars. Each chapter includes a list of the writer's major works, and the books conclude with chapter notes, a glossary, and brief lists of general books and Web sites related to poetry of the period. Useful additions to library collections.

This series explores American, British, and world poetry, focusing on cultural traditions and major poets of the times. A biography of each poet, some of his or her notable pieces, and explanations of the poems' significance are offered. Clear, easily understandable analysis of the works continues to be an excellent feature of the series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.