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I thought you might be interested in comparing the review I sent in to Teach Secondary magazine, and the published edited version.
The published version
Picture Perfect: An Anthology of Poetry and Prose (Richard Davenport-Hines (Ed.), Mount Orleans Press, £25)
As indicated by the title, the first thing to know about this anthology is that it comprises both poetry and prose, rather than one or the other. Many of the pieces are quite unusual, such as a series of short pieces grouped under the shared title of 'I have been...', though the arrangement and presentation of the works is evidently the result of careful thought (or veiled humour - such as one poem concerned with the theme of sea-sickness being immediately followed by an assemblage of advisory aphorisms).
If there's a criticism, it's that more room could perhaps have been made for a few lesser-known poets. Regardless, English teachers can expect to discover much here that could serve as the focus of a lively class discussion or prompt for a writing exercise. This is a solid collection of poetry by a good mix of authors, which is always to be welcomed.
My original version
Several qualities serve to recommend this anthology. Firstly, it comprises both poetry and prose rather than one or the other.
Secondly, many of the pieces are quite unusual, such as the compilation of shorts under the banner of “I have been”.
And thirdly, the juxtaposition of items has been carefully thought through, such as a poem about being sea-sick immediately followed by an assembly of advisory aphorisms.
The inclusion of items reflects the compiler’s preferences, their “life-enhancing use of words” and copyright fees, the last of which has necessitated the exclusion of some poets. That’s probably a blessing in disguise because there is room for a few perhaps lesser-known ones.
The English teacher will discover much in these pages that could be the focus of discussion or even a prompt for a writing exercise. There is a good index of authors, which is always to be welcomed. Highly readable, and highly recommended.