Poetry for the Spirit

This is a paperback version of The Element Book of Mystical Verse reviewed in Network 67. It is the first major chronological compilation of mystical verse since the 1917 Oxford Book, long since out of print. It is a book that every lover of mystical verse will want to have in their library. As the editor points out, one of the major developments since the early part of the century is the influence of Eastern traditions, which are well represented here. The range of authors is impressive, including not only the well loved names, but also many Eastern texts and obscure poets I had never heard of: there are many hidden jewels to be uncovered here. One notable omission for me is T.S. Eliot.