POETRY

The cover of Emily Wilson’s translation of ‘The Iliad.’

A New Translation of ’The Iliad’ Is Bringing a Truer Ancient Greece to Modern Readers

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

From left: Gabriela Mistral, José Rizal, Anna Cooper.

6 Little-Known Writers of Color Who Transformed Their Countries

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

Charles Bukowski on "Apostrophes" French Talk Show

7 Facts About Charles Bukowski

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.

English Romantic poet Lord Byron being visited by his muse.

15 Things You Might Not Know About Your Favorite Poets

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

14 Fascinating Facts About Phillis Wheatley

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

Hughes was often called "The People's Poet."

8 Fascinating Facts About Langston Hughes

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

11 Fascinating Facts About Emily Dickinson

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

Maya Angelou celebrating her 82nd birthday

10 Facts About Maya Angelou

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

9 Facts You Should Know About Robert Burns and Burns Night

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

Illustration to Robert Burns' poem "Auld Lang Syne" by J.M. Wright and Edward Scriven.

A Brief History of "Auld Lang Syne"

On New Year’s Eve, after the ball has dropped, revelers queue up "Auld Lang Syne"—that song that makes you cry, even though you don’t understand it and know almost none of the words.

Getting snowed in with these books wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing.

11 Wintry Books To Read Under Your Warmest Blanket

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

The Origin—and Evolution—of the Phrase 'Trip the Light Fantastic'

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.

These authors are tackling important subjects in verse.

8 Novels in Verse by Authors of Color to Read for National Poetry Month

Sex Symbol: How Antinous Became a Gay Code Word in the Victorian Era

The Greek youth Antinous drowned in the Nile—but he would go on to have one of the most remarkable afterlives in history.

11 Things You Should Know About Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde’s poems, speeches, and books helped write the future of feminism. Here are some facts about the woman behind the work.

How do I tell if thee is a sonnet? Let me count the lines.

Poem vs. Sonnet: What’s the Difference?

Plenty of poems are love poems. Why aren’t all of them considered sonnets? In short, rhyme scheme, length, and structure.

Maya Angelou at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in 2010.

Maya Angelou Is Now the First Black Woman to Appear on a U.S. Quarter

The U.S. Mint has officially shipped its Maya Angelou quarters—earning the ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ author another “first” to her name.

Edgar Allan Poe is depicted in an engraved portrait, circa 1845.

9 Intriguing Facts About Edgar Allan Poe

The life of Edgar Allan Poe, author of 'The Tell-Tale Heart' and other horror stories, was as strange as his fiction.

The Tay Bridge Disaster: William McGonagall and the Worst Poem Ever Written

Is William McGonagall the best poet ever? Absolutely not. Is he the best bad poet ever? Quite possibly yes.

Napoleon Sarony, Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

9 Fascinating Facts About Oscar Wilde

'My own business bores me to death; I prefer other people's,' Oscar Wilde once said. Read on for more about this master wit, poet, and playwright.

A birthday message for Anne Brontë written (and illustrated) by her sister Emily in 1841.

A Long-Lost Library of Emily Brontë Poetry and Other Literary Artifacts Is Hitting the Auction Block

The elusive Emily Brontë left precious few handwritten artifacts behind. One could fetch about $1.5 million.

The Unemployed Philosophers Guild/Amazon

10 Offbeat Products for Shakespeare Obsessives

From socks and puzzles to card games and insult posters, fans of William Shakespeare will love these novelty items on Amazon.

8 Facts About ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ the Black National Anthem

“Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the so-called Black national anthem, was written by 20th-century novelist/poet/songwriter James Weldon Johnson as a rallying cry for perseverance and social justice.

The albatross visits the Mariner and his crew in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," as illustrated in 1876 by Gustave Doré.

The Literary Origin of the Phrase 'To Have an Albatross Around Your Neck'

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