Download or read book American Poetry written by David Caplan and published by Oxford University Press, USA. This book was released on 2021-11 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "American Poetry: A Very Short Introduction proposes a new theory of American poetry. Written in engaging language and enlivened with illuminating examples, it shows that two characteristics mark the vast, contentious literature. On the one hand, several of its major poets and critics claim that America needs a poetry equal to the country's own distinctiveness. On the other hand, American poetry welcomes techniques, styles, and traditions that originate from outside the country. Its influences range far beyond America's borders. The force of these two competing characteristics drives both individual accomplishment and the broader field"--