Poetry & Verse | Books & Reading | Classifieds.co.uk :

Books of poetry and verse can be purchased in high street bookshops, on market stalls or over the internet. The advent of the internet has made it possible to buy works of poetry and verse online. Second--hand poetry books are widely available in second-bookshops or at book fairs around the country. A good way to find out about poetry -- both modern and classical -- is to read poetry reviews in the Arts and Culture pages of any newspapers. The broadsheets tend to cover new poets in their weekend sections. There are now many websites dedicated to poetry appreciation which carry reviews and recommendations. Bookshops occasionally organise poetry recitals or workshops. Works of poetry can be found in book form as well as in audio cassettes discs. However, books probably remain the more popular way of reading and enjoying poetry and verse.

Genres and Different Types of Poetry and Verse Books
The most popular types of poetry books tend to be anthologies. An anthology is a collection of poems, either by the same poet or by different poets. You can find anthologies which span the breadth of time -- from the works of early poets of the 14th Century right up to modern day poets in the 21st Century. This type of anthology is useful for those who want a taste of poetry from different eras. You can also find anthologies made up of popular and favourite works of poetry. These consist of well-known works which many people would have heard of. Unless you have a favourite poet, it may be a good idea to buy a book which comprises works from a range of poets. Anthologies which contain both old and new poems are popular with poetry readers. More serious readers or students of poetry may prefer more specific works.

Even people who claim not to know much about poetry will recognise the names of famous poets such as Shakespeare, Keats, Wordsworth, Tennyson, T S Eliot, Philip Larkin and Ted Hughes. There are almost as many different genres in poetry as there are poets. Some of the more established genres include Romantic, Epic, Modern and War Poetry. Other genres include Religious, Victorian, Children's Verse and Rhymes, Beat, Surreal and Post-modern, to name but a few.

Things to Consider before Buying Poetry and Verse

Do you want to buy new or second-hand?
Do you want to buy a book of poetry or an audio CD?
If it is a book, do you prefer hardback or paperback?
Do you have a favourite poet or poets?
Do you know the style or genre of poetry you are most likely to appreciate?
Would you prefer to buy an anthology of poems or poetry by a single poet?
Will you buy from a bookshop or over the internet?

Here are a few precautions to take into account when buying poetry and verse:-

If you decide to buy second-hand, be prepared for the fact that the condition of the book or CD is unlikely to be perfect. If it is a book, do check that all the pages are intact. If buying a audio CD, make sure it is in readable condition. Buying second-hand can be an advantage -- particularly if you are unsure as to whether you will like the poetry. It is possible to buy second-hand for very modest sums.

If you decide to buy poetry or verse online, remember that you may not be able to browse through the book or CD as you would in a bookshop. In fact, some second-hand websites do not carry any images. The buyer will have to go solely by the written description, provided by the seller. If this is the case, read the details carefully. If you should have any questions or need further clarification, be brave and contact the seller.

As with any online transaction, take sensible precautions when paying by credit card. Use websites which have SSL technology.

Most second-hand poetry sellers are likely to accept cash, personal cheques or postal orders.

Finally, be sure to check if the postage costs are included in the total price.

Conclusion
Books of poetry and verse make wonderful gifts. Chosen carefully, they are the perfect presents to mark a wedding, an anniversary, the birth of a baby, graduation or a special birthday. So many poems have been written about life's significant and important events, that it should be easy enough to choose one to present as a gift. A framed poem makes a personalised and unique gift which will be remembered and treasured. Anyone who receives a poem as a present will surely be grateful that time and effort has been spent in choosing an appropriate poem or verse to celebrate their special occasion.