Coastlines

This anthology celebrates Atlantic Canada's poetic revival, showcasing 60 poets, including both established and emerging voices in Coastlines.

Atlantic Canada is experiencing a vibrant resurgence in poetry, reminiscent of the days of renowned poets like Alden Nowlan, Milton Acorn, and John Thompson. The anthology Coastlines: The Poetry of Atlantic Canada brings together the works of 60 of the region's most talented poets, creating a collection that is sure to inspire and engage readers. This contemporary revival echoes the earlier poetry renaissance that began in 1945 with the launch of The Fiddlehead magazine. Under the guidance of the current editor, Ross Leckie, alongside contributors Ann Compton, Laurence Hutchman, and Robin McGrath, the anthology highlights the enduring impact of past literary movements while projecting a hopeful future for Atlantic poetry in Canada.

Coastlines offers a rich tapestry of poetic voices, showcasing the diverse range of talent that defines Atlantic culture and landscape. The anthology features early works from the 1950s by celebrated poets such as Acorn, Nowlan, and Thompson, alongside pieces from distinguished figures like Alfred Bailey, Elizabeth Bishop, and Charles Bruce. Readers will also find contributions from established poets like Kay Smith, M. Travis Lane, and Fred Cogswell, as well as mid-career talents including Elisabeth Harvor and Harry Thurston. The collection also highlights the voices of the post-1995 renaissance, featuring poets like Anne Simpson and George Elliott Clarke, who have made significant contributions to the literary scene.

The newest talents included in Coastlines are Tammy Armstrong and Geoff Cook, whose works were selected from manuscripts published in 2002. This anthology not only celebrates the rich history of poetry in Atlantic Canada but also underscores the potential for poetry to reclaim its status as a leading literary form in the country. Readers will find themselves captivated by the myriad ways these poets explore and reinterpret the unique topography of their culture and landscape.