How Poets Work is a fascinating review of the creative process which will interest all those who study, write or want to write poetry. Nine poets from the UK and America describe how their poetry comes into being. From ideas, single words, lines which are suddenly given, poems develop in both the personal situation of the writer anda wider social context. Each poet supplements their essay with the drafts of one of their significant or popular poems, providing unmatchable creative commentary. Editor Tony Curtis adds a general essay on ’The Life of the Poem’, exploring the many things a poem can be and the many forms it can take.