The Nation's Favourite Poems is a solid, conservative selection of 100 poems, as is to be expected given its genesis. The poets are mostly British (with notable exceptions like Robert Frost and Edgar Allan Poe) and many of the poems will already be well-known to the reader, with heavyweights like Kipling (who took the #1 spot), Tennyson and Shakespeare represented. By ranking the poems from 1 to 100, the book has also opened itself to criticism (Kipling's 'If' is a good poem, but probably shouldn't be #1). To be honest, I wasn't overly enamoured with any of the top 10, although 'Dulce et Decorum Est' by Wilfred Owen has always had stopping power, and W.B. Yeats' 'The Lake Isle of Innisfree' struck a chord.

The ones I favoured most were the ones I already knew well (e.g. 'Ozymandias', 'The Raven', 'Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night', 'Ulysses', 'High Flight') and there were very few of the lesser-known ones that made me sit up and take notice (Louis MacNeice's 'Prayer Before Birth' being an exception). The poems for children were fun, with Michael Rosen's 'Chocolate Cake' in particular taking me back to my childhood. Essentially, the collection is a good starting point for newbies who want to sample some good, well-known poetry, but for those like me who read a fair bit of poetry it is a rather unnecessary exercise. ( )

An enjoyable browse for a newcomer to the world of poetry. The type of book i pick up from time to time from the shelf and flick through to a poem that takes my fancy depending on my mood. Not every one has caught my eye so there are still delights to look forward to. Suprised myself and my family by how much i enjoyed. Not so much of a Philistine as i thought i was. Griff Rhys Jones' name initially highlighted this book to my curiosity and did not disappoint. Something for mostly anyone. ( )

I have given it such a high rating because there is something for everyone here. Its a lovely collection of poems, all your favourites are in it.
I would recommend for those like me who dont know a lot about poetry but would like to get chance to look at different styles and eras of writing.
It was a book club project, and for me a really clever and inspiring choice. ( )

My welcome to the world of poetry. Rather late in years I fear. This book has opened my eyes to vista's yet unexplored and yearning to be read aloud. ( )

A superb small collection of popular English Poetry, covering poets from 1865 to
modern times. Thoroughly enjoyable. ( )