Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
― Eliza Griswold, The New Yorker
"Irresistible.… Ó Tuama and the eclectic range of international poets he shares make an irrefutable case for poetry’s power to enrich and enlarge our lives, while at the same time focusing our overtaxed attentions on key questions and profound truths."
― David Wright, Seattle Times
"A very good introduction to how to think about poetry. Even old poetry hands will enjoy and appreciate Pádraig Ó Tuama’s brief and insightful essays accompanying each poem, as well as the poems themselves."
― Literary Hub
"Ridiculously good.… [Poetry Unbound] covers a wide range of topics, forms, and writing styles, making it a fantastic read for poetry-lovers and reluctant poetry-readers alike.… Maybe the best part of the book is Ó Tuama’s unparalleled ability to understand, interpret, and write about poetry."
― Kateri Kramer, Rumpus
"[A] fascinating collection.… With grace and insight, [Ó Tuama] demonstrates how a poem can become a part of your life.… With his intimate tone, Ó Tuama takes poetry out of the classroom and puts it back into the hands of the reader. He thereby makes the world a better place."
― Library Journal, starred review
"[A] uniquely intimate anthology.… Ó Tuama’s unassuming prose welcomes readers into an unfettered enjoyment of poetry for the sake of introducing new ideas, new lands, and new ways of being in the world."
― Booklist
"Offering keen reflections on poems by Margaret Atwood, Ilya Kaminsky, Ada Limón, and Ocean Vuong, Ó Tuama juxtaposes critical insights with appealing personal anecdotes.… Ó Tuama has succeeded in organizing a valuable introduction to poetry for those just familiarizing themselves with the form, and a timely way to renew and deepen that appreciation for seasoned readers."
― Publishers Weekly
"Pádraig Ó Tuama’s close reading of my ‘Wonder Woman’ poem was a gift. I was and am deeply moved."
― Ada Limón, United States Poet Laureate
"The Poetry Unbound podcast, and Pádraig’s way of finding language to describe the details and intricacies and the shades of gray of the human experience have made me a better person, a better songwriter, and a better artist.… I would urge everyone to dive into this deeply rewarding book."
― Camila Cabello
"Poetry Unbound is fifty poems and 300 pages of commentary revealing and confessing why a line of verse might make you weep. But more than that, it is a collection of moments and meditations and a turning toward the ways that some memories, of sorrow and joy, might make us hold on a little while longer, long enough in fact."
― Reginald Dwayne Betts, author of Felon
"Magnificent.… Pádraig Ó Tuama’s abilities as a curator of poems, combined with his remarkable gift for unpacking poems in such illuminating and generous ways, make this ground-breaking publication one of the most engrossing books I have read in recent years."
― Stephen Fry
"Pádraig Ó Tuama has been called to bring his illuminating insights into what some might consider encroaching darkness, and we are all the fortunate beneficiaries of his response. This book is a testament to the rare fineness of feeling and understanding that mark his brilliant work for the On Being Project."
― Lorna Goodison, former Poet Laureate of Jamaica
"A poem to Pádraig is like a child to Mary Poppins. It sits, alert, in wonder that he should know it so well. I would go out at night to hear Pádraig talk of the poems. The next best thing, maybe even better, is Poetry Unbound.… There should be a copy of Poetry Unbound in every bar, every cafe, every train station, every bus station, every airport, every workplace, every school, every university, everywhere!"
― Lemn Sissay, author of Let the Light Pour In
"A wonderful anthology of poetry filled with fascinating and thought-provoking commentary from one of the best voices in contemporary poetry today."
― William Sieghart, author of The Poetry Remedy
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you!
I have always loved reading poetry, but only now (age 69) am I beginning to study poetry, to learn why it moves me so. This lovely book with its 50 poems, and Padraig’s essay perspectives on each, has touched me and taught me so much. And the references at the end of the book will lead me on a journey to find other poems by these wonderful, diverse, and inspiring poets. Thank you everyone at Poetry Unbound for sharing your love of poetry with the world and with me.
5.0 out of 5 stars Once opened, Poetry Unbound requires re-opening
Padraig O. Tauma’s Poetry Unbound, derived from his highly successful podcast of the same name, manages to strike the selfsame chords in the reader as the podcast does in the listener.What the book lacks is O. Tauma’s beautiful tenor speaking voice, graced with the lilt and cadence of his Irishness. The literary heritage and tradition of Ireland lives and breathes inside that voice, which is one of the compelling reasons why people listen to that podcast– not to mention his incredible mastery of poetic literature that enables the insight into the poems he presents so generously and with such rigor.Poetry Unbound, in it’s written form, maintains to a large degree, the format of the podcast: a brief introductory statement, a reading of the poem itself, followed by a conversation about the poem. I use the word « conversation » because O. Tauma’s commentary falls far from academic poetic explication. He goes very deep, very personal, sourcing his remarks from history, literature, and personal experience that he then relates back to the poem, casting a new perspective on what was just read. His personal humility is not marred by his erudition, but rather, enhanced, because as a human being and a lover of poetry, O. Tauma has done the work.And that is why, although the soothing beauty of his speaking voice is absent from the page, the beauty of that voice comes through because of it innate power of a literary voice. This is a book to be read not once, but again and again, as are the poems he so carefully selected. This is a book to be savored and relished, not skimmed or devoured.For poets and poetry enthusiasts, I highly recommend Poetry Unbound.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Brillig Compendium!
Pádraig has curated a diverse collection of poems and unpacked them for the reader in ways that bring us to the heart and soul of the human condition. Paired with his Poetry Unbound podcast, this anthology is a perfect way to introduce reticent folks and reacquaint poetry lovers alike to the medicinal power of poetry.What emerges is a gorgeous pairing of 50 poems followed by his close reading of each that are both accessible and exquisitely rendered. Poetry analysis is often formulaic (and sometimes dry!) but Padraig turns his explications into an artform. He has that rare seer/sayer gift of approaching each poem with an invitational sensibility, a fresh curiosity, and a unique summation that's truly spellbinding.I admit to being moved to tears more than once, owing to his careful appreciation of these poems' nuances and his keen observations re: the interplay between form and words. It's like he's holding a kaleidoscopic looking glass up to the reader, allowing us to more fully "get" the poem and affirm its poetic potency.In the end, a review is just a review and not the thing itself. Treat yourself to the thing itself - you'll be glad you did!
5.0 out of 5 stars A Poetic Journey Through Life's Depths
Pádraig Ó Tuama’s 'Poetry Unbound' is a luminous exploration of fifty contemporary poems that resonate deeply with the human experience. Each poem is accompanied by Ó Tuama’s insightful reflections, inviting readers to delve into themes of identity, resilience, and the beauty of everyday moments. As Ó Tuama beautifully puts it, 'These poems are windows through which we celebrate the art of being alive,' capturing the essence of poetry as a transformative and enriching medium.
4.0 out of 5 stars Diverse poetry collection with analysis
In <i>Poetry Unbound</i>, Pádraig Ó. Tuama shares 50 contemporary poems from a variety of authors. He analyzes the poems in a way that makes them feel accessible to the reader and shares how they affected him personally. This book was inspired by a podcast he leads, and after reading the book, I am interested in checking out the podcast! The poems he selected for this book cover a variety of topics and from all different viewpoints; I think he made great selections. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook, especially with Tuama’s accent. My only complaint with that format was that there was nothing to indicate when we were moving on from one poem to the next – not a longer break or title to indicate we have moved to a new chapter. I think that would have been helpful.Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.
5.0 out of 5 stars Interpreting poetry from your life perspective
The author selected 50 poems, each by a different author, and wrote a reflection inspired by the poem and his own life experience. This invites each reader to view each poem from his/her own personal experience and viewpoint, not only allowing for but encouraging multiple interpretations and responses to a single poem. by various readers or by one reader at different times. Truly, this is "Poetry Unbound."I have already given this book to two others for their pondering and enjoyment. With the variety of poems included, anyone can find some poems or phrases that one resonates with and draws forth memories and perhaps even nudges one to journal and/or create a new poem.
5.0 out of 5 stars Flow of this book is nice
I like how this book bounces between sharing a poem from a famous poet and Padraig's reflection upon that poem. Sometimes poetry doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me, so I need the interpretation to help me along. Padraig is a welcome guide with insights that abound. A lovely volume.
5.0 out of 5 stars If you like poetry (and the Unbound podcast), then you should consider getting this too!
A great companion volume to my favorite podcast series. Now I can read and reread these poems anytime I want.
Just amazing collection and commentary!
If you enjoy the Poetry Unbound podcast, or wish you had a friend to send you poems with their insightful thoughts on them - this book is for you. So much more than a simple anthology. Padraig O Tuama gives the reader an insight into each poem that leaves you sitting with your own thoughts too.
Disappointed.
The poet was highly recommended and I’m sure I will enjoy his body of poetry but I’m very disappointed in the quality of both paper and print.
Awesome Poetry Book
I received this book for Christmas last year. I've always liked poetry but often struggle with meaning. Several "How to Read a Poem" books have left me cold. But this book is awesome. I don't know how he does it but Padraig O Tuama has managed to infuse his selection of poems with understanding and meaning. For the first time I feel that I can really get into the poems. I've only got one recommendation....if you love poetry BUY IT!
A joy!
Padraig’s choice of poems, his analysis of the the genre, context & style together with his personal reflections are a delight.
A wonderful partner to the podcast
I found this book by becoming a fan of Padraig O Tuama's podcast. It's a terrific companion piece that combines incredibly powerful poetry with short essays on what they mean to O Tuama. In each chapter, he reflects on his and the poet's interpretation of each poem. It's one of those books you turn to for a break from daily life, diving in and finding not only a new poem but also a fresh take on its purpose. One for budding poets as well as poetry fans.
Visit the W. W. Norton & Company Store
Poetry Unbound: 50 Poems to Open Your World
AED11246
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Poetry”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U1324074809
Visit the W. W. Norton & Company Store
Poetry Unbound: 50 Poems to Open Your World
AED11246
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
― Eliza Griswold, The New Yorker
"Irresistible.… Ó Tuama and the eclectic range of international poets he shares make an irrefutable case for poetry’s power to enrich and enlarge our lives, while at the same time focusing our overtaxed attentions on key questions and profound truths."
― David Wright, Seattle Times
"A very good introduction to how to think about poetry. Even old poetry hands will enjoy and appreciate Pádraig Ó Tuama’s brief and insightful essays accompanying each poem, as well as the poems themselves."
― Literary Hub
"Ridiculously good.… [Poetry Unbound] covers a wide range of topics, forms, and writing styles, making it a fantastic read for poetry-lovers and reluctant poetry-readers alike.… Maybe the best part of the book is Ó Tuama’s unparalleled ability to understand, interpret, and write about poetry."
― Kateri Kramer, Rumpus
"[A] fascinating collection.… With grace and insight, [Ó Tuama] demonstrates how a poem can become a part of your life.… With his intimate tone, Ó Tuama takes poetry out of the classroom and puts it back into the hands of the reader. He thereby makes the world a better place."
― Library Journal, starred review
"[A] uniquely intimate anthology.… Ó Tuama’s unassuming prose welcomes readers into an unfettered enjoyment of poetry for the sake of introducing new ideas, new lands, and new ways of being in the world."
― Booklist
"Offering keen reflections on poems by Margaret Atwood, Ilya Kaminsky, Ada Limón, and Ocean Vuong, Ó Tuama juxtaposes critical insights with appealing personal anecdotes.… Ó Tuama has succeeded in organizing a valuable introduction to poetry for those just familiarizing themselves with the form, and a timely way to renew and deepen that appreciation for seasoned readers."
― Publishers Weekly
"Pádraig Ó Tuama’s close reading of my ‘Wonder Woman’ poem was a gift. I was and am deeply moved."
― Ada Limón, United States Poet Laureate
"The Poetry Unbound podcast, and Pádraig’s way of finding language to describe the details and intricacies and the shades of gray of the human experience have made me a better person, a better songwriter, and a better artist.… I would urge everyone to dive into this deeply rewarding book."
― Camila Cabello
"Poetry Unbound is fifty poems and 300 pages of commentary revealing and confessing why a line of verse might make you weep. But more than that, it is a collection of moments and meditations and a turning toward the ways that some memories, of sorrow and joy, might make us hold on a little while longer, long enough in fact."
― Reginald Dwayne Betts, author of Felon
"Magnificent.… Pádraig Ó Tuama’s abilities as a curator of poems, combined with his remarkable gift for unpacking poems in such illuminating and generous ways, make this ground-breaking publication one of the most engrossing books I have read in recent years."
― Stephen Fry
"Pádraig Ó Tuama has been called to bring his illuminating insights into what some might consider encroaching darkness, and we are all the fortunate beneficiaries of his response. This book is a testament to the rare fineness of feeling and understanding that mark his brilliant work for the On Being Project."
― Lorna Goodison, former Poet Laureate of Jamaica
"A poem to Pádraig is like a child to Mary Poppins. It sits, alert, in wonder that he should know it so well. I would go out at night to hear Pádraig talk of the poems. The next best thing, maybe even better, is Poetry Unbound.… There should be a copy of Poetry Unbound in every bar, every cafe, every train station, every bus station, every airport, every workplace, every school, every university, everywhere!"
― Lemn Sissay, author of Let the Light Pour In
"A wonderful anthology of poetry filled with fascinating and thought-provoking commentary from one of the best voices in contemporary poetry today."
― William Sieghart, author of The Poetry Remedy
About the Author
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you!
I have always loved reading poetry, but only now (age 69) am I beginning to study poetry, to learn why it moves me so. This lovely book with its 50 poems, and Padraig’s essay perspectives on each, has touched me and taught me so much. And the references at the end of the book will lead me on a journey to find other poems by these wonderful, diverse, and inspiring poets. Thank you everyone at Poetry Unbound for sharing your love of poetry with the world and with me.
5.0 out of 5 stars Once opened, Poetry Unbound requires re-opening
Padraig O. Tauma’s Poetry Unbound, derived from his highly successful podcast of the same name, manages to strike the selfsame chords in the reader as the podcast does in the listener.What the book lacks is O. Tauma’s beautiful tenor speaking voice, graced with the lilt and cadence of his Irishness. The literary heritage and tradition of Ireland lives and breathes inside that voice, which is one of the compelling reasons why people listen to that podcast– not to mention his incredible mastery of poetic literature that enables the insight into the poems he presents so generously and with such rigor.Poetry Unbound, in it’s written form, maintains to a large degree, the format of the podcast: a brief introductory statement, a reading of the poem itself, followed by a conversation about the poem. I use the word « conversation » because O. Tauma’s commentary falls far from academic poetic explication. He goes very deep, very personal, sourcing his remarks from history, literature, and personal experience that he then relates back to the poem, casting a new perspective on what was just read. His personal humility is not marred by his erudition, but rather, enhanced, because as a human being and a lover of poetry, O. Tauma has done the work.And that is why, although the soothing beauty of his speaking voice is absent from the page, the beauty of that voice comes through because of it innate power of a literary voice. This is a book to be read not once, but again and again, as are the poems he so carefully selected. This is a book to be savored and relished, not skimmed or devoured.For poets and poetry enthusiasts, I highly recommend Poetry Unbound.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Brillig Compendium!
Pádraig has curated a diverse collection of poems and unpacked them for the reader in ways that bring us to the heart and soul of the human condition. Paired with his Poetry Unbound podcast, this anthology is a perfect way to introduce reticent folks and reacquaint poetry lovers alike to the medicinal power of poetry.What emerges is a gorgeous pairing of 50 poems followed by his close reading of each that are both accessible and exquisitely rendered. Poetry analysis is often formulaic (and sometimes dry!) but Padraig turns his explications into an artform. He has that rare seer/sayer gift of approaching each poem with an invitational sensibility, a fresh curiosity, and a unique summation that's truly spellbinding.I admit to being moved to tears more than once, owing to his careful appreciation of these poems' nuances and his keen observations re: the interplay between form and words. It's like he's holding a kaleidoscopic looking glass up to the reader, allowing us to more fully "get" the poem and affirm its poetic potency.In the end, a review is just a review and not the thing itself. Treat yourself to the thing itself - you'll be glad you did!
5.0 out of 5 stars A Poetic Journey Through Life's Depths
Pádraig Ó Tuama’s 'Poetry Unbound' is a luminous exploration of fifty contemporary poems that resonate deeply with the human experience. Each poem is accompanied by Ó Tuama’s insightful reflections, inviting readers to delve into themes of identity, resilience, and the beauty of everyday moments. As Ó Tuama beautifully puts it, 'These poems are windows through which we celebrate the art of being alive,' capturing the essence of poetry as a transformative and enriching medium.
4.0 out of 5 stars Diverse poetry collection with analysis
In <i>Poetry Unbound</i>, Pádraig Ó. Tuama shares 50 contemporary poems from a variety of authors. He analyzes the poems in a way that makes them feel accessible to the reader and shares how they affected him personally. This book was inspired by a podcast he leads, and after reading the book, I am interested in checking out the podcast! The poems he selected for this book cover a variety of topics and from all different viewpoints; I think he made great selections. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook, especially with Tuama’s accent. My only complaint with that format was that there was nothing to indicate when we were moving on from one poem to the next – not a longer break or title to indicate we have moved to a new chapter. I think that would have been helpful.Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.
5.0 out of 5 stars Interpreting poetry from your life perspective
The author selected 50 poems, each by a different author, and wrote a reflection inspired by the poem and his own life experience. This invites each reader to view each poem from his/her own personal experience and viewpoint, not only allowing for but encouraging multiple interpretations and responses to a single poem. by various readers or by one reader at different times. Truly, this is "Poetry Unbound."I have already given this book to two others for their pondering and enjoyment. With the variety of poems included, anyone can find some poems or phrases that one resonates with and draws forth memories and perhaps even nudges one to journal and/or create a new poem.
5.0 out of 5 stars Flow of this book is nice
I like how this book bounces between sharing a poem from a famous poet and Padraig's reflection upon that poem. Sometimes poetry doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me, so I need the interpretation to help me along. Padraig is a welcome guide with insights that abound. A lovely volume.
5.0 out of 5 stars If you like poetry (and the Unbound podcast), then you should consider getting this too!
A great companion volume to my favorite podcast series. Now I can read and reread these poems anytime I want.
Just amazing collection and commentary!
If you enjoy the Poetry Unbound podcast, or wish you had a friend to send you poems with their insightful thoughts on them - this book is for you. So much more than a simple anthology. Padraig O Tuama gives the reader an insight into each poem that leaves you sitting with your own thoughts too.
Disappointed.
The poet was highly recommended and I’m sure I will enjoy his body of poetry but I’m very disappointed in the quality of both paper and print.
Awesome Poetry Book
I received this book for Christmas last year. I've always liked poetry but often struggle with meaning. Several "How to Read a Poem" books have left me cold. But this book is awesome. I don't know how he does it but Padraig O Tuama has managed to infuse his selection of poems with understanding and meaning. For the first time I feel that I can really get into the poems. I've only got one recommendation....if you love poetry BUY IT!
A joy!
Padraig’s choice of poems, his analysis of the the genre, context & style together with his personal reflections are a delight.
A wonderful partner to the podcast
I found this book by becoming a fan of Padraig O Tuama's podcast. It's a terrific companion piece that combines incredibly powerful poetry with short essays on what they mean to O Tuama. In each chapter, he reflects on his and the poet's interpretation of each poem. It's one of those books you turn to for a break from daily life, diving in and finding not only a new poem but also a fresh take on its purpose. One for budding poets as well as poetry fans.
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Poetry”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U1324074809