The Norton Anthology of Modern Poetry
by Richard Ellmann and Robert O’Clair

The Norton Anthology of Modern Poetry is a significant collection that spans English-language poetry from the late 19th century to the 20th century. Edited by Richard Ellmann and Robert O’Clair, the anthology was first published in 1973, featuring a wide range of poets and movements. Over time, it expanded its representation, particularly in later editions, to include more diverse voices, reflecting shifts in literary scholarship and the recognition of underrepresented poets.

Expanded Focus on Black Writers:

In its expanded editions, the anthology made an effort to include more Black poets who played a critical role in shaping modern poetry, especially within the context of movements like the Harlem Renaissance. Poets like Anne Spencer, Langston Hughes, Claude McKay, and Gwendolyn Brooks became part of the canon, offering readers insight into the Black experience through poetry.

• Anne Spencer: As one of the few African-American women included, Spencer’s poetry explored themes of race, nature, and identity. Her inclusion highlights the contributions of Black women poets who were often overlooked in earlier literary histories.
• Langston Hughes: Known for his rhythmic, jazz-influenced style, Hughes’s poetry captures the spirit of Harlem and the broader Black experience in America.
• Claude McKay: A key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, McKay’s work often addressed racial injustice and the plight of African-Americans in both the U.S. and abroad.
• Gwendolyn Brooks: Brooks, the first African-American to win a Pulitzer Prize for poetry, explored urban Black life with depth, empathy, and sharp social critique.

Why the Norton Anthology is Important:

1. Comprehensive and Inclusive: The anthology provides not only a broad view of modernist and postmodernist movements but also emphasizes the importance of poets from marginalized communities, including Black poets, whose contributions were foundational to 20th-century poetry.
2. Educational Impact: The inclusion of poets like Spencer and others helps provide students and readers with a more nuanced understanding of the diverse influences that shaped modern poetry, making the anthology an essential text in classrooms worldwide.
3. Reflecting Cultural Shifts: Later editions’ inclusion of Black writers reflects a broader cultural shift towards recognizing the value of diverse literary voices. This inclusion allows for a fuller, richer understanding of the American and global poetic landscape.

Through these additions, the Norton Anthology of Modern Poetry became more than just a collection of literary giants—it evolved into a reflection of the changing cultural and social dynamics of the 20th century, where voices like Anne Spencer’s were finally given their due.