Poetry, Whitman believed, is the voice of the nation. This wide-ranging anthology reflects the changing pre-occupations and visions of Americans from the 16th century to the present day. Here are 65 poems by the leading classic figures in American poetry, including Longfellow, Poe, Dickinson, Whitman, Frost and E. E. Cummings as well as popular anonymous works such as Frankie and Johnny which are an integral part of American consciousness.

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