This text is viewed by both poets and teachers alike as one of the most practical and most teachable introductory poetry texts available. The overall pedagogical strategy is to teach by showing rather than telling; that is, the text focuses on examples to elucidate the elements of poetry, rather than relying upon strict definitions. It includes exercises, chapter summaries, games, diagrams, illustrations, and 4-color reproductions of great works of art. The excellent selection of poetry includes new poets as well as "classics" and the coverage of women poets and minorities has been expanded in this edition.