The Little Book of Modern Verse A Selection from the Work of Contemporaneous American Poets

This compact collection gathers the voices of American poets writing at the turn of the twentieth century, when the language of verse was shifting from the genteel lyric of the nineteenth century to a fresher, more experimental tone. The poems were chosen in 1913 to illustrate how the newer generation re‑interpreted everyday life, nature, and the bustling modern world, offering a glimpse of the spirit that would define the coming decades. Readers will hear familiar names alongside lesser‑known talents, each piece reflecting a distinct but resonant perspective on love, loss, work, and wonder.

The editor arranged the verses so one poem often echoes the mood of the next, creating a subtle thread that guides the listener through varied emotions without feeling disjointed. From quiet meditations on gardens and seas to witty observations of city life and the emerging automobile, the anthology balances lyric tenderness with occasional bold experimentation. In its modest size it serves as an accessible entry point to the rich tapestry of early modern American poetry.