Communications is a process of creating participation, of making common what had been isolated and singular… Art breaks through barriers that divide human beings, which are impermeable in ordinary association. This force of art, common to all the arts, is most fully manifested in literature. - John Dewey, from Art as Experience
Welcome to Poetry Previews. I created this web site in hopes of reaching those who love poetry, perhaps even those who write it, as well as those who have never picked up a book of poems. While I am uncertain if I will convert anyone to poetry, I would like to create a site that exposes visitors to many outstanding poets who remain (at least at the time of posting) in print.
Originally from rural North Carolina, where the poetry selection in a local Waldenbooks was restricted to a few dead, white men, I have selected books to review that are in print and available online through Amazon.com. While there are some dead, white men among them, I have strived to include poets of rich and diverse backgrounds, many of whom are still alive and kicking. In addition, I have included experimental and marginalized poets whose works are extremely difficult to find—though some works are available through special order—but are extremely rewarding.
More important than building a list of poets, though, is building a community of readers, where individuals can share their interests and insights. Poetry Previews was created with the goal of fostering just such a community of poetry readers. To join in, all you need to do is sign up, it’s completely free. You can find others with similar interests, and even setup your own blog as part of the larger community.
- Mickie Kennedy