Too bad Spencer Tracy is not still alive. The author must have had him in mind to play the lead. Very, very, funny. A must read

I used this book both as a freelance magazine writer and as a teacher of writing. Bugeja discusses ways to begin with a topic for an article and then expand to the theme, tone of narrative voice, an element he calls takeaway value, and a sense for what market to target in planning and writing. His examples are many, his approach sensible, his advice valuable.

Michael J. Bugeja, The Art and Craft of Poetry (Writer's Digest, 1994)

Bugeja gets the first Gentleman's C I have ever given a book. I didn't even make the fifty-page mark with this turkey, quitting twenty-seven pages in, because Bugeja broke the cardinal rule of poetry in a flagrant and offensive way; while discussing a poem he uses as an example, he writes, "...but none of this is important; the only thing that is is what was in [the author]'s head at the time." This is, as any poet half worth his salt knows, not only untrue, but offensive in the extreme. If this is the kind of thing which poetry 101 classes are being fed today, it's no wonder the world is so crammed with people who write bad poetry (one rejects the idea of calling them poets).

So why am I giving it the Gentleman's C? Well, because judging from the earlier writings here, when Bugeja isn't flaunting the idea that reader interpretation is meaningless and unimportant, he does have a few things to say worth reading. Also, the book can double as an anthology of poetry stretching from Shakespeare to modern times, and it has some value in that regard. As a teaching tool, though, readers are advised to stay far away until they fully understand that reader interpretation is not only valid, but as valid as author interpretation, of any poem, so as not to be poisoned by such irresponsible statements on the author's part. ** ½

Michael Bugeja's book is geared toward writers of any caliber, especially those who do not appreciate scholarly approaches to poetry composition. This text is hand's on and continues to be a best-seller after almost a decade because the instruction is based on effective teaching, rhymed and free verse approaches, and several levels of exercises at the end of each chapter. The work also comes with an extensive anthology exposing the reader to poetry from Shakespeare to the current era.

The hardcover of The Art & Craft of Poetry is out of print ... BUT the softcover is in stock, at a less [of a] price.

A poet's guide is manna from heaven. Can't wait to receive mine. Giving readings is something I'm interested in and need the suggestions I know the Poet's Guide will give. Thanks Amazon for marketing great resources as well as novels.

There's no question about it: creating a poem is not a simple task. It requires patience and dedication in order to develop poetry that everyone would love to read. That is why this book is an essential item for anyone who wants to significantly improve their creative writing skills. Whether your dream is to be published or you simply desire to improve your writing talent, this book becomes a necessity. Not only does this resource take away some of the fear of sending out a poem to a magazine, but it answers your most frequently asked questions on what makes a poem work.

Wish I would have had this book before my poetry book,"BARE BREASTED HEART" was published! There is alot of really great information here not only on the art of writing poetry but how and where to look for publication.

However, what I enjoyed most was the information on performing! Many new writers just do not fully understand how important it is to get out and show/perform your work. I used to say, "I write so I do not have to speak!" in retrospect I have never had to speak out or read from my books as I have since they have become published.

Further to sell ones books, author events, book signings and the sharing of one's written word is vital. Not to long ago I was asked to speak at a "MEET THE AUTHORS" event. I read several poems from the above mentioned title, this made the difference from a few sales to a few hundred sales! I only wish I had the insight and the knowledge this title brings prior to learning on my own and learning as you go.

I strongly recommend this book for the poet who not only seeks publication but also truly wants to share their written works with an audience!