This is one of the greatest poetry books I have ever read. Most of the poets are relatively unknown and 'underground', but all the poems are fresh and vibrant.

Another great collection by Miachael Horovitz. Anything edited by him is essential for the fan of modern contemporary poetry. Shame they're hard to find.

Sequel to the above, just as brilliant and inspiring - not just for schools!

Whether for adults or children, all his works are essential for anyone interest in first-class contemporary poetry.

A nice, fat collection of his more adult stuff. Start here and get anything with his name on it: whether as poet or editor, he is always reliable.

Another wonderful collection of interesting poets and poems, covering a broader range than many.

Tough, dark and brilliant; Cave's lyrics stand on their own and cover a wide range of emotions and experiences.

Hilarious, enjoyable, witty and often poignant, Nash's intelligence makes you feel clever. Deceptively simple poems with a heart and a brain.

Just as good, if not better than Staying Alive. If you only buy these two, Children (and Grandchildren) of Albion, The Rattle Bag and The School Bag, you'll have a fine collection of essential poems.

A strange and sometimes difficult poet, who becomes more rewarding the more you read. Clever and challenging, but never boring.

Poems from The Original Lesbian (sapphic comes from Sappho) could never be boring; simple and enjoyable, and a great translation. Nick Cave's a fan as well.

Really wonderful, simple poems from the heart (which is where they're supposed to come from). Easy to read, but mentally and emotionally satisfying.

Plath is too often remembered for The Bell Jar, her suicide and being generally depressing to read. She is not. Many of her poems are full of the joys of life and beauty.