Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
37(37%)
4 stars
34(34%)
3 stars
29(29%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I tend to concur with others. For the most part, I am not an enthusiast of Robert Frost's work. While I did have a liking for a couple of his poems, I remain unconvinced as to the good reason behind his fame. It seems to me that there are many other poets whose works are equally, if not more, remarkable. Frost's poems, although they have their own charm, do not necessarily stand out in a way that would justify his almost iconic status. I have read numerous poems by different authors and have found that there are those who offer more profound insights, more beautiful language, and more engaging themes. Perhaps it is a matter of personal taste, but I cannot help but feel that there is something missing in Frost's work that would make me a true admirer.

July 15,2025
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I really liked the fact that this was a wonderful combination of a narrative about Robert Frost and his remarkable poetry.

I'll be honest and admit that I did not read every single page of it. However, I can truly say that I really enjoyed it a great deal!

I live in Derry, NH, which is not far from his homestead. In fact, I have been to that homestead only once.

After reading this, I am now extremely inspired to return to that beautiful property where Frost lived for a full 10 years. I plan to go there and do some writing of my own or perhaps just some quiet reading.

If you have a passion for poetry or a keen interest in learning about the lives of great writers, then I would highly recommend this old but truly good book! It offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Robert Frost and is sure to delight anyone with an appreciation for literature.

July 15,2025
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Me tapino: In my vetero-adolescent obsession with innovation, when not experimentation at all costs, I have always followed that resounding vulgarization according to which Robert Frost… who makes me read a poet born old and who writes in a classical way while his compatriots like Pound and Eliot revolutionize the art of poetry?


Apart from the dilemma of what it means to "write in a classical way", a tricky argument that becomes pernicious in the case of Frost, who only seems classical on the surface; as I was saying, apart from this dilemma, I have only now, as a good miserable last, come to read Frost, also thanks to an essay read a few months ago by Iosif Brodskij that helped me uncover this Pandora's box that is the poetry of the American, literally full of every evil although presented in the insidious manner of a peaceful and phlegmatic man.


So I had missed Frost, and I had missed a lot.


Schematically, perhaps too extremely, I believe that his work can be divided not so much based on the collections (which always show great continuity and coherence, stylistic and thematic, from the first to the last), but more simply based on the length of the individual poems. With the necessary but rare exceptions, Frost has written short lyric poems and (relatively) long narrative poems. The latter are certainly what show his greatest state of grace: the perfection of Home Burial, in this regard, is probably unrivaled, but in general all (at least all those anthologized here) are very remarkable. Extremely theatrical, characterized by a dialogical form that leaves little space for the outline and a lot for the words of the characters, it is still striking how that little space of the outline can be effective in very few words, which give a perfect overall view of the ongoing dialogue. The dialogues, then, that is, the words that are actually unsaid: Frost gradually reveals the situation in which the characters are immersed, highlights the details and does not say everything: the gloomy atmosphere that characterizes even apparently banal situations helps. Those things that the characters do not say, that the poetry does not say, but that are somehow intuited are like boulders that, precisely because they are not revealed, remain like a lump in the throat even long after reading. Of an epochal beauty, I believe that Hemingway, like Carver, like Cheever, like Munro, and many other short North American narrators owe a great deal to the old Frosty, the namesake of the chilly little man who scared us with his peaceful texts: they have simply put into prose what Frost had already done in verse, thus ensuring worldwide success (apart from Cheever, perhaps, who still remains partially in the shadows). Let's be specific: not that success, especially in old age, has not reached our good poet, so much so that in the States he is considered a sort of national bard (if something like that is conceivable in a nation born as capitalist-puritan and has remained so ever since), and goes to form the holy trinity with Whitman and Dickinson. Outside his native country, however, Frost is undoubtedly less known than his two older colleagues.


The same was said of the lyric poems: less intense than the narrative ones, perhaps some could even seem banal were it not for Frost's ability to use sound and rhythm, rarely renouncing the classical English verse (for the most part that iambic pentameter that has made the fortune of so many): of course, this is said of many poets, who are such precisely because of their musical quality, but the heights reached by Frost truly make everything pale in comparison in terms of sonorous magnificence. How to make nothing into a work of art of rare mastery? Just ask the master.


Four stars because the poems of old age are not up to the others.

July 15,2025
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First off, Robert Frost's poetry is truly remarkable and stands on its own merits. However, when it comes to this particular edition, there are some rather disappointing aspects. The foreword and annotations seem to be written by a person with a very shallow understanding. It feels as if they are trying to force the reader to think in a certain way, rather than allowing for individual interpretation.


Moreover, the formatting of this edition is simply atrocious. For example, the poem 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening' is split onto two pages, which means the reader has to flip to the next page in the middle of the poem. This completely disrupts the flow and rhythm of the reading experience. It's really quite awful and detracts from the beauty and impact of Frost's poetry.


Overall, while Robert Frost's poetry remains as wonderful as ever, this edition fails to do it justice with its poor foreword, annotations, and formatting. It's a real shame that such a great poet's work is presented in this less than ideal way.
July 15,2025
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I have always been in love, and I still am. Love is such a simple and true emotion.

This particular anthology is really nice. To be honest, I used to own another one that I adored even more. It was just filled with poetry and had no extras. However, I haven't been able to find it now. Although I typically prefer to directly engage with reading his words, I have also found the insights in this book quite enjoyable at times.

The beauty of this anthology lies not only in the words themselves but also in the additional perspectives and interpretations it offers. It enriches the reading experience and allows me to delve deeper into the essence of the works.

Despite the absence of my previous favorite anthology, this one has managed to capture my attention and provide me with moments of inspiration and reflection. It serves as a reminder of the power of words and the impact they can have on our hearts and minds.

I will continue to cherish this anthology and explore the wonderful world of literature it presents.
July 15,2025
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What it's about: Robert Frost's Poems by Louis Untermeyer is a remarkable collection. It encompasses some of Frost's most renowned works such as "Birches," which paints a vivid picture of nature's beauty and the longing for simplicity. "Mending Wall" delves into the idea of boundaries and human relationships. "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" is a masterpiece that captures a moment of tranquility and the allure of the unknown. "Two Tramps at Mudtime" explores the contrast between work and leisure. "Choose Something Like a Star" offers profound advice on finding purpose in life, and "The Gift Outright" is a patriotic and inspiring piece.

What I thought: Robert Frost's Poems is a literary gem. The book is beautifully written, and each poem leaves a lasting impression. Despite their brevity, the poems are rich in depth and meaning. Frost's use of detail is astonishing, and his ability to convey profound messages within a few lines is truly remarkable. Although some of the poems can be a bit perplexing at times, this ambiguity adds to their charm, allowing for multiple interpretations and a deeper exploration of the text. Overall, Frost's poems are a source of inspiration, and I will undoubtedly refer back to them as I strive to improve my own writing.

Why I rated it like I did: This book is a must-read for any literature enthusiast. It is simple yet powerful, thought-provoking yet accessible. The themes and messages that Frost presents are timeless and universal, making the book relevant to readers of all ages and backgrounds. The beautiful language and masterful craftsmanship make it a joy to read, and I have no hesitation in recommending it to others. I will definitely be rereading this book in the future, as I believe there is always more to discover and appreciate in Frost's work.
July 15,2025
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The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promised to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.

I purchased this book with the intention of reading it to Margot when she was still in the womb and used to remain still.

However, law school had a detrimental impact on my ability to read poems. It taught me to read only quickly and for facts.

Consequently, this particular book was quite challenging for me. I had to read and reread many times.

Frost, or perhaps the editor, has an unusual way of structuring his poems, which sometimes makes it difficult to determine where the sentences begin and end.

That being said, when I took the time to truly slow down and read these poems and stories, I came to understand why Frost is regarded as a national treasure.

Hopefully, I will have the opportunity to reread this in the future and be a more receptive audience to his work.

July 15,2025
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The commentary presented in this piece was, at times, rather strange.

I had the distinct impression that the commentator was almost advocating for Frost, as if people were unjustly criticizing him.

Personally, I didn't believe that Frost, being a great poet, truly required such a defense.

Nonetheless, overall, I thoroughly enjoyed delving into a plethora of lesser-known poems.

Simultaneously, I also relished the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Frost's life and the essence of his poetry.

This exploration not only broadened my literary horizons but also provided me with a newfound appreciation for the works of this remarkable poet.

Despite the oddities in the commentary, the experience of reading and learning about Frost was truly enriching and engaging.

It served as a reminder of the power of poetry to transport us to different worlds and offer unique insights into the human condition.

I look forward to further immersing myself in the world of Frost's poetry and uncovering more of its hidden gems.

July 15,2025
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It is something of a paradox that Frost, our most well-known poet, is also our most underrated poet.

His over-familiarity has given a false image of him; people think he wrote Hallmark cards. This perception couldn't be further from the truth. Reading his poetry closely is a fascinating education.

In some moods, he is one of the darkest, most illusive American writers. His words seem to hide deeper meanings that require careful dissection. In other moods, he is cynical and enigmatic, making us question our own beliefs and values.

If you appreciate poetry, read Frost. Don't let the overexposure of a few of his works fool you. If all you know is "The Road Not Taken" and you think Frost is an artless hack writing verse to be framed on the walls of middlebrow homes, read his collected works (and read that particular poem closely).

He is the American author who, despite his ubiquity, deserves the most reassessment. We need to look beyond the surface and truly understand the depth and complexity of his poetry. Only then can we fully appreciate his genius.
July 15,2025
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Robert Frost is indeed one of my favorite poets.

His poems, despite their age, can still be related to today's world.

From "Birches" to "Fire and Ice", Frost delves into the malice and wonders of life that a person cannot answer alone.

Moreover, after each poem, the book provides a short overview of Frost's perspective when writing that particular poem.

This is important because we may think Frost is trying to convey one point when in fact he is making another, highlighting his skillful writing.

Finally, the book starts from Frost's earliest works and progresses to his latest, exploring the development of his writing as he matured in his talent.

This comprehensive look at Frost's poetry allows readers to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of his art.

Overall, Frost's poems continue to resonate with readers today, making him a timeless and influential poet.
July 15,2025
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I truly enjoyed every single poem within this book. However, it must be admitted that poetry can sometimes be a tad boring.

While I have a deep appreciation for poetry, reading an entire volume of it can seem to go on and on.

That being said, Robert Frost's poems were all captivating and filled with thought-provoking ideas.

There are well-known classics such as "Fire and Ice" as well as "Birches".

These poems had a significant impact on the world and were of great importance in the realm of poetry.

They continue to be studied and loved by generations of readers, inspiring new interpretations and understandings.

The beauty and depth of Frost's poetry make it a joy to explore and discover.

Even though reading an entire book of poetry may have its challenges, the rewards of engaging with the works of a master like Robert Frost are well worth it.

July 15,2025
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I am truly dismayed to realize that I had no idea what a great poet Frost was until now.

For a long time, I was so tired of the standard Frost anthology fare, such as "The Road Not Taken" and "Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening". These poems, although well-known, seemed to overshadow the many other insanely good works that he had created.

It was only when I delved deeper into his body of work that I discovered the true depth and beauty of his poetry. His words have the power to transport the reader to another world, to make them see the ordinary in an extraordinary way.

I highly recommend that you go and get a collection of his poems. You will not be disappointed. His poetry is truly a treasure trove that is well worth exploring.

Trust me, once you start reading Frost, you will be hooked.
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