A collection of more than 40 poems including brief critical statements by each poet and concise critical mini-essays on the poetry of each poet. Finch examines the course of 20th century poetry by American women, exploring the strain of male dominance that submerged more than two generations of women writers.
A started Library Journal review: "This wonderful collection celebrates the New Formalism being practiced by many highly regarded contemporary women poets ... Highly recommended". This unique and ground-breaking anthology also includes statements by the poets explaining why they write formal verse. Adopted by universities nationwide and well into a second printing.