The Best American Poetry series is a beloved mainstay of American
poetry. This year's edition was edited by one of the most admired and
acclaimed poets of his generation, Charles Wright. Known for his
meditative and beautiful observations of landscape, change, and time,
Wright brings his particular sensibility to this year's anthology, which
contains an ecumenical slant that is unprecedented for the series. He
has gathered an astonishing selection of work that includes new poems by
Carolyn Forché, Jorie Graham, Louise Glück, Frank Bidart, Frederick
Seidel, Patti Smith, and Kevin Young and showcases a dazzling array of
rising stars like Joshua Beckman, Erica Dawson, and Alex Lemon.
With captivating and revelatory notes from the poets on their works and
sage and erudite introductory essays by Wright and series editor David
Lehman, The Best American Poetry 2008 will be read, discussed,
debated, and prized for years to come.