Good Riddance To ‘The Best American Poetry’

The recent critique of 'The Best American Poetry' anthology highlights the challenges faced by its creator, David Lehman, who initially struggled to find a national platform for poetry. Despite his vision and efforts since its inception in 1987, the anthology has faced backlash, suggesting a disconnect between the editorial intent and the reception by the poetry community. This matters because it raises questions about the role of anthologies in shaping literary culture and the ongoing debate about what constitutes 'the best' in poetry.