Books like Becoming a poet by David Kalstone

A practical guide to poetry that blends concise advice, historical context, and exemplary poems to help writers and readers alike explore sound, imagery, form, and revision.

A compact collection of Charles Bukowski’s raw, unpolished poems, reflecting his gritty vision of American life and the resilience of the human spirit.

A concise biography of Sylvia Plath authored by Linda Wagner‑Martin, detailing the life of the influential 20th‑century American poet.

Biography: Robert Frost's Life and Poetic Journey

This riveting biography, by a master of the genre, gives a radically new interpretation of Robert Frost both as man and poet. Meyers explores Frost's troubled relations with his wife, Elinor, and his Job-like family life. Two of his children died in infancy, one died in childbirth, one became insane, and one killed himself. These tragedies were reflected in his terrifying art. The Frost that emerges from this biography is neither the hayseed sage that he cultivated in his public persona nor the monster in human form depicted by his previous biographer. He is subtle and engaging, a passionate and tragic figure.

Mark Strand and Eavan Boland guide readers through the diverse world of poetic forms—sonnet, ballad, villanelle, sestina, and more—combining clear explanations with close readings and exemplar poems.

Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882) was a prominent English painter and poet who helped found the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, known for their non-arcade-mic approach to religious, moral, and medieval subjects. He was also a key figure in the Pre-Raphaelite movement, which sought to revive the artistic style of the period before Raphael. Here's a more detailed overview: EARLY LIFE and INFLUENCES: Rossetti was born in London and came from a family with Italian roots, which influenced his artistic interests. PRE-RAPHAELITE BROTHERHOOD: He was founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, along with artists like William Holman Hunt and John Everett Millais, aiming to break away from academic art style of the time. ARTISTIC STYLE: Rossetti's art is characterized by its sensuality, medieval revivalism, and focus on religious and literary themes, often featuring female figures. POETRY: He was also prolific poet, and his work reflects his artistic sensibilities and interests in medieval subjects and mythology. KEY WORKS:some of his most famous paintings include "Ecce Ancilla Domini" (the annunciation), "Proserpine", and portraits of Jane Morris, a model and muse for many Pre-Raphaelite artists. PERSONAL LIFE: Rossetti's personal life was closely linked to his work, particularly his relationships with his models and muses, including Elizabeth Siddal and Fanny Cornforth. LEGACY: Rossetti's work continues to be celebrated for its beauty, its exploration of complex themes, and its contribution to the Pre-Raphaelite movement.