From Song of Myself (A Poem from the Poets' Corner)

February 15, 2008
A longtime reader and listener of poetry, actor Lithgow has carefully selected 50 poems, written in English from the Middle Ages to modern day, and presented them in alphabetical rather than chronological order. The result is some interesting contrasts; for example, Gertrude Stein follows Edmund Spenser. Designed to appeal mostly to those new to poetry, this book focuses on well-known poems from such notables as Geoffrey Chaucer, William Wordsworth, Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allan Poe, and Ezra Pound. Not forgetting the children, Lithgow also includes Lewis Carroll's "Jabberwocky" and Edward Lear's "The Owl and the Pussycat." The clearly articulated reading by Lithgow, as well as such "special guests" as Susan Sarandon, Sam Waterston, Morgan Freeman, and Kathy Bates, underscores the importance of poetry being spoken. Lithgow introduces each selection with a short biography of the poet and then follows with an insightful, often personal commentary. This collection will delight listeners, both those new to the genre and those looking for their favorites presented in a fresh, new format.Nancy R. Ives, SUNY at Geneseo

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2007
There just couldnt be a better advocate for poetry to ordinary readers and their families than accomplished comic (and villainous) actor Lithgow, who has already worked his way into many a familys bosom with his superb recordings of song standards with and for children. Here he presents one or two poems each by 50 English and American hands. There are plenty of chestnuts, to be sure, but what chestnuts! Blakes Tyger and Lamb, Arnolds Dover Beach, Marvells Coy Mistress, Shelleys Skylark, Williams Red Wheelbarrow, Yeats Lake Isle of Innisfree, even Ginsbergs Supermarket in California, and more! Lithgow surrounds each poets entries with colloquial, personalizing commentary; a handful of other personal favorites by the poet at hand; and maybe a boxed quotation anent poet, poem, or poems subject. He gives each poet a characterizing sobriquet, too, such as The Passionate Poet for Ben Jonson and The Caustic Poet for Dorothy Parker. For the read-aloud purposes for which it was made, the book could hardly be more gratifying.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)