Poetry

The Latest

If you’ve ever talked about “the birds and the bees” or referenced “the best laid plans of mice and men,” then you’ve inadvertently quoted some of the English language’s most famous poets.

Clement Clarke Moore is widely believed to be the author of “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” But the Livingston family of New York begs to differ.

“Once upon a midnight dreary” begins “The Raven,” setting the mood for one of the most recognizable poems written in English.

Celebrate the many contributions to literature that LGBTQ+ authors have made with these great reads by Danez Smith, Dorothy Allison, Alexander Chee, Alice Walker, and more.

The poem “The Rainbow Bridge” has long comforted animal lovers who are mourning a pet. But for decades, its author remained a mystery.

These memorable quotes from LGBTQ+ leaders—on everything from intersectionality to being an ally—will ring true all year round.

‘Having an albatross around your neck’ means “facing an inescapable burden.” As for where the phrase originated, you can thank classic literature.

Discover the controversial conspiracy theories that challenge Shakespeare’s authorship, from the Baconian Theory to the Alien Theory and beyond.

The origins of Ireland's ‘Emerald Isle’ nickname trace back to the 18th-century physician, poet, and activist who penned the poem “When Erin First Rose.”

Robert Burns was voted the greatest Scot over iconic warrior William Wallace in a 2009 poll.

Burns Night isn't the only thing named after Robert Burns. Streets, towns, and monuments throughout the world were christened in his honor.

This all-new translation of the Homer epic is six years in the making.

Though their contributions were immense, many aren’t well-known outside of their nations’ borders.

The late, great American writer Henry Charles Bukowski, Jr. was once called the “human embodiment of a raised middle finger”—an analogy that Bukowski would probably have welcomed, or possibly even written about himself. Here's what you should know.

The lives, hobbies, and eccentricities of some of the world’s greatest poets made them much more than titans of the turn of phrase.

Phillis Wheatley was the American colonies’ first Black poet and second woman to publish a book of poems. Here are more facts about her.

Langston Hughes was a poet, novelist, playwright, and reporter who helped define the Harlem Renaissance. Find out more about his life and work.

One of the most celebrated authors in history never saw a book published under her own name.

Dr. Maya Angelou’s verses are at the very heart of the American experience—yet she didn’t start out as a poet.

Get snowed in with the best books to read in winter, including “Snowblind” by Ragnar Jónasson, Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” and other great reads.

While it has always referred to nimble, fleet-footed dancing, the imagery associated with the phrase "tripping the light fantastic" is a matter of profound disagreement.