This 1992 collection earned Mary Oliver the National Book Award; full of imagery from the natural world that speaks to the mystery and essence of life, it has become one of the most popular volumes of poetry in the country. The book features 30 poems found only here and selections from the poet's first eight books, including the Pulitzer Prize winner American Primitive.
"Mary Oliver's poetry is fine and deep; it reads like a blessing. Her special gift is to connect us with our sources in the natural world, its beauties and terrors and mysteries and consolations."—Stanley Kunitz
"One of the astonishing aspects of Oliver's work is the consistency of tone over this long period. What changes is an increased focus on nature and an increased precision with language that has made her one of our very best poets.... There is no complaint in Ms. Oliver's poetry, no whining, but neither is there the sense that life is in any way easy.... These poems sustain us rather than divert us. Although few poets have fewer human beings in their poems than Mary Oliver, it is ironic that few poets also go so far to help us forward."—NYTBR
