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The Complete Collected Poems

maya angelou

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For the first time, the complete collection of Maya Angelou's published poems-including "On the Pulse of Morning"-in a permanent collectible, handsome hardcover edition.

304 pages, Paperback

First published February 1,1994

This edition

Format
304 pages, Paperback
Published
January 1, 1995 by Virago
ISBN
9781860491917
ASIN
186049191X
Language
English

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About the author

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maya angelou

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Maya Angelou was an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. Angelou's series of seven autobiographies focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her international recognition and acclaim.
She became a poet and writer after a string of odd jobs during her young adulthood. These included fry cook, sex worker, nightclub performer, Porgy and Bess cast member, Southern Christian Leadership Conference coordinator, and correspondent in Egypt and Ghana during the decolonization of Africa. Angelou was also an actress, writer, director, and producer of plays, movies, and public television programs. In 1982, she was named the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Angelou was active in the Civil Rights Movement and worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Beginning in the 1990s, she made approximately 80 appearances a year on the lecture circuit, something she continued into her eighties. In 1993, Angelou recited her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" (1993) at the first inauguration of Bill Clinton, making her the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy in 1961.
With the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou publicly discussed aspects of her personal life. She was respected as a spokesperson for Black people and women, and her works have been considered a defense of Black culture. Her works are widely used in schools and universities worldwide, although attempts have been made to ban her books from some U.S. libraries. Angelou's most celebrated works have been labeled as autobiographical fiction, but many critics consider them to be autobiographies. She made a deliberate attempt to challenge the common structure of the autobiography by critiquing, changing, and expanding the genre. Her books center on themes that include racism, identity, family, and travel.

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Plinfa-Fan123
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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She is a truly beautiful poet.

Her words have the power to transport readers to another world, a world filled with emotions, dreams, and vivid imagery.

With each poem, she weaves a tapestry of thoughts and feelings that touch the hearts of those who read them.

Her beauty is not just physical, but also lies within the depth of her creativity and the elegance of her expressions.

She has a unique way of seeing the world, and through her poetry, she shares her insights and perspectives with the rest of us.

Whether it's a love poem, a meditation on nature, or a reflection on life, her words always have a profound impact.

She is a talented and inspiring poet, and her work will continue to be cherished for years to come.
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TrashK01
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Classic and timeless!

These words hold a special charm that can never fade. Classic pieces have the power to transcend generations and remain relevant and beloved throughout the ages. They possess a certain elegance and quality that sets them apart from the fleeting trends of the moment.

Whether it's a classic novel, a timeless piece of music, or a beautiful work of art, these creations have the ability to touch our hearts and souls in a profound way. They evoke emotions and memories that are unique to each individual, yet still have a universal appeal.

The beauty of the classic and timeless lies in its simplicity and authenticity. It doesn't try to be something it's not, but rather it embraces its true nature and shines through with a quiet confidence. These pieces have withstood the test of time and continue to inspire and delight us, proving that true art and beauty are indeed eternal.
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JJnie
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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"Poesia Completa" by Maya Angelou was published in Brazil by @Astralcultural with the translation of Lubi Prates. My first linear reading of the complete work lasted several months, from November 2020 to June 2021. I received a copy courtesy of the publisher.


I made a point of emphasizing that it was the first reading because I'm sure it won't be the only one. Even before reaching the last page, I had already randomly revisited some poems, letting the words of Mrs. Angelou reach me and work their magic.


Most of the time, these words brought uncomfortable questions that made me get up from my comfortable armchair in search of answers and more information about the topics addressed.


It wasn't always that I obtained answers, and that hurts. But if it affected me in this way, how much more painful is it for people who are directly related to the events cited there?


It is a work that涵盖 many topics and different periods of the author's career. Not all of her poems pleased me, but I was captivated by the majority.


I highlight: "Eles voltam para suas casas", "Nós vimos além da nossa aparência", "Minha culpa", "Sozinha", "Mulher fenomenal", "O dinheiro da assistência social da mamãe", "Trabalho de mulher", "Ainda assim eu me levanto", "A vida não me assusta", "Fome", "A última decisão", "Nascida assim", "Pastor não me envie".


Regarding the edition: I missed an introduction to the work with a brief biography of the author. And, I know that the book is already large - 336 pages - but the experience of reading poetry is always richer when the text is presented bilingually.


https://www.instagram.com/p/CQRZ6BUj31Q/

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cchigu
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Some were good, while others were bad.

Or perhaps it was more of a situation where some were just okay, but some were absolutely bloody amazing.

I would highly recommend reading those from 'And Still I Rise' and then continue from there.

This collection of works offers a diverse range of perspectives and emotions.

The good pieces may provide valuable insights and inspiration, while the bad ones can serve as learning experiences.

The okay ones might be a bit mediocre, but the truly amazing ones have the power to move you deeply.

By starting with 'And Still I Rise', you can get a taste of the author's style and themes, and then explore further to discover more hidden gems.

So, don't hesitate to pick up this collection and embark on a literary journey.

You never know what amazing things you might encounter along the way.
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Oonokami
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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We, this people, on this small and drifting planet,

exist in a world full of contradictions. Our hands have the power to strike with such abandon that, in a twinkling, life can be sapped from the living. It is a terrifying thought that we possess such destructive capabilities. However, those same hands can also touch with such healing and irresistible tenderness. With a simple touch, we can bring comfort and hope to those in need. It is in these moments of tenderness that we see the true potential of humanity.

Out of this chaos and contradiction, we learn an important lesson. We are neither devils nor divines. We are a complex mix of good and evil, capable of great acts of kindness and great acts of destruction. It is up to us to choose which path we will follow. Will we use our hands to build or to destroy? Will we touch others with tenderness or with violence? The choice is ours, and it is a choice that will determine the future of our small and drifting planet.
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Kokosnuss_Palme
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Ah, poetry at its absolute finest! I took my time, allowing each and every poem to gently seep into me. This was truly the perfect way to consume this remarkable book. The way Maya Angelou connects with her readers through her words is simply astonishing.

Each poem has the power to evoke a strong feeling within us - empathy, as we understand the experiences she shares; empowerment, as we are inspired by her strength and courage; anger, when we witness the injustices she describes; and excitement, as we are carried away by the beauty and passion of her language.

It really blew me away. I found myself completely immersed in her world, feeling every emotion as if it were my own. Maya Angelou's poetry is a gift that keeps on giving, and I am so grateful to have discovered it.

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Setsumei
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I rarely read poetry as I find it difficult to establish a connection with it. However, this particular collection, presented in audio format and performed by the author herself, has had a profound impact on me. The experience of hearing her words in her own voice is truly moving. It has given me the opportunity to explore some of her less well-known works. Some of my personal favorites include "Sounds Like Pearls", "Poor Girl", and "On Reaching Forty".

I was also pleasantly surprised to hear her actually sing parts of several spirituals that served as the inspiration for the poem she composed for Clinton's inauguration.

The audiobook version, which I purchased on a sale rack years ago in CD format (ISBN 0375420177), has been a wonderful find. Just now, while looking it up online in the hope of obtaining some audio samples to link to, I was astonished by the prices. Nevertheless, it appears that it is commonly accessible at public libraries, as per WorldCat.

This book fulfills the Fifth Task of the Twelve Tasks of the Festive Season book challenge, which requires reading a book written by an African-American author or set in an African country.
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Sargossa
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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It would be wonderful to get hold of this volume. I firmly believe that it would be truly fabulous.

However, I have just read the poem "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." (Which came first, the book or the poem?) here https://allpoetry.com/I-Know-Why-The-...

I didn't find the book angry in most parts. Although, considering Angelou's life experiences, she had every right to be.

But this poem is extremely angry, just as Angelou had the right to be. It is also powerfully emotional, and I truly adored it. It definitely deserves a 5★ rating. The poem seems to capture the essence of Angelou's struggles and her fierce spirit in a way that is both moving and thought-provoking. It makes me want to explore more of her works and understand the depth of her emotions and the significance of her words.
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