How Lovely the Ruins: Inspirational Poems and Words for Difficult Times

Following a year defined by national tragedies and contentious cultural debates, this wide-ranging collection of inspirational poetry and prose-from Rumi to Robert Frost-offers readers solace, perspective, and the courage to persevere. Featuring a foreword by Elizabeth Alexander.

In our tumultuous cultural and political climate, many Americans are finding hope and meaning in poetry and inspirational quotes, as noted by numerous media outlets such as The Atlantic, The Guardian, and NPR, and as evidenced by the frequent posting of poetry online. Like many of us, the editors at Spiegel & Grau were inspired by the shared poems, and put together this collection of poems and words for difficult times.

Contributors include Maya Angelou ( Still I Rise ), W.H. Auden, Danez Smith, Naomi Shihab Nye, Maggie Smith, Alice Walker, Langston Hughes, Elizabeth Alexander, and many others.

This is an uplifting volume that will be read for years to come by anyone facing challenging circumstances.