This is a sweeping anthology that captures the strange, elusive beauty of the prose poem—a form that defies easy definition. Spanning over a century and a half of literature, the collection moves backward in time, offering a fascinating glimpse into how the genre has evolved while maintaining its essential mystery. The selections are wide-ranging, bringing together classic and contemporary voices in a way that feels both cohesive and refreshingly unpredictable.

From the dreamlike intensity of the French Symbolists to the sharp, fragmented modern experiments, each piece invites the reader to reconsider what a poem can be when freed from line breaks. The anthology’s reverse-chronological structure adds an intriguing layer, allowing the reader to trace influences and transformations in an unconventional way. That said, the collection does assume a certain familiarity with the form. There’s little in the way of commentary or biographical context, which might leave some readers wishing for more guidance, especially when encountering lesser-known writers.

Despite these minor quibbles, this anthology is an impressive achievement. A great addition to a poetry (or prose) library!

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is a nice collection of prose from various authors. I found that they're is a little bit for everyone in this book. It's a good book to have handy if you want to have a quick read from a random author. Highly recommend!