One of the most unique styles of literature is poetry. April is National Poetry Month, so it is important to highlight during this time. However, the style of the poem depends solely on the poet. Below is a list of 10 of the greatest poets to grace the pages of books.
Homer
Two of the greatest poems of Ancient Greece were possibly written by the same man. Homer is known as the author of The Iliad and The Odyssey – both of which are classic tales surrounding the Trojan War. Not much is known about Homer – he may not have even existed in the first place. These poems were oral, so they were passed down from generation to generation through word of mouth.
William Shakespeare 1564–1616
Most students today are familiar with the works of William Shakespeare. After all, many are required to read his plays, but did you know he wrote poems – better known as sonnets? Some of his most famous sonnets include Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? and Venus and Adonis. If you want to read some works by Shakespeare quickly, start with his sonnets.
John Keats 1795–1821
John Keats is a romantic poet known for poems such as “Ode to a Nightingale” and “Ode on a Grecian Urn.” Keats only wrote for six years, but his work during this time is now considered some of the greatest from this era.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning 1806–1861
The first woman on this list is Victorian poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Browning is known for her collection of poems including her most famous works – “How Do I Love Thee?” and Aurora Leigh. She was also an activist – fighting for the freedom of slaves and child labor reforms.
Edgar Allan Poe 1809–1849
One of the largest influences on the macabre, dark and mystery genre was Edgar Allan Poe. Poe remains a significant figure in the world of literature – with works including the poem “The Raven” and short stories such as “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Fall of the House of Usher” and “The Black Cat.” If you are looking for some classic horror, check out Poe’s work.
Emily Dickinson 1830–1886
American poetry would not be the same without Emily Dickinson. With stories dealing with important topics like society and death, Dickinson stood out among writers – even though she only published 10 stories during her lifetime. It wasn’t until her younger sister published Dickinson’s work after her death that she truly received recognition.
Oscar Wilde 1854–1900
Even though Oscar Wilde is most known for his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wilde was a prolific poet. He published several books of poems including Poems in Prose and long poems such as The Sphinx.
Langston Hughes 1901–1967
One of the most notable poets during the Harlem Renaissance was Langston Hughes. Hughes remains a celebrated poet, author and playwright today. He is considered the founder of jazz poetry – which is described as a poem with a jazz-like rhythm.
Maya Angelou 1928-2014
Maya Angelou remains one of the most famous poets and writers of the 20th Century. She was a civil rights activist who highlighted black culture. Her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, remains a popular read. Angelou was also the second poet to recite a poem at the inauguration of an American president – with her rendition of “On the Pulse of Morning” at Bill Clinton’s inauguration.
Confessional poetry is a type of poetry that focuses on the individual experience and mind. One poet and author who popularized this genre is Sylvia Plath. She is known for poetry collections such as The Colossus and Other Poems and Ariel. Her most famous work is her novel The Bell Jar.