A Poem of Her Own: Voices of American Women Yesterday and Today

A Poem of Her Own brings together notable American works that convey the powerful spirit of mothers, sisters, and daughters throughout this nation's history. Among the poets included are luminaries such as Phillis Wheatley, Emily Dickinson, Gertrude Stein, and Sylvia Plath. Also featured are previously unpublished pieces by contemporary poets Julia Alvarez, Nikki Giovanni, Naomi Shihab Nye, and Marge Piercy.

Not intended as a survey but as a celebration of uniquely female perspectives, this compilation of 25 poems addresses difficult issues such as oppression and bigotry, and celebrates themes such as the pursuit of freedom, the triumph of democracy, and the splendor of the natural world. But most importantly, all of these selections provide unforgettable insights into the singular experience of being an American woman.

An introduction by editor Catherine Clinton and biographies of the poets complete this rich, much-needed collection.