To celebrate World Poetry Day this year we highlight some of our favourite poetry books - old and new. 

What is World Poetry Day?

World Poetry Day was first adopted by UNESCO in 1999 and is held every year on the 21st March. The aim of this international celebration of poetry is to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression. It's the perfect time to honour our favourite poets, and appreciate the power of poetry.

Top Poetry Anthologies

Here at LoveReading, we're reading and enjoying poems all year round, but for those looking to bring some more poetry into their lives we've put together a collection of some of our favourite anthologies. 

Batsford's poetry anthologies, are compiled to cover a variety of themes in an easily digestible format. Jane McMorland Hunter edits the 'A Nature Poem' collections that includes but certainly isn't limited to A Nature Poem for Every Day of the Year, "a huggable fabulous book containing a nature poem for every day of the year - simply glorious". And A Nature Poem for Every Night of the Year which Liz Robinson described as: "a perfect gift for nature and poetry lovers, with 365 poems that will see readers through every season and infuse a sense of nature-inspired serenity before bedtime."

Liz Ison edited A Poem to Read Aloud Every Day of the Year, described by our Expert Reviewer Maureen Stapleton as a "delightful and beautiful poetry anthology offering wisdom, laughs, solace, inspiration, and everything in between, for every day of the year". The one poem a day format means these collections are easy to dip in and out of without pressure while also providing a beautiful collection of nature poems to enjoy.

Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris' The Lost Spells is another poetry collection that sits amongst our must-reads. With artwork to conjure our natural world, this book is described by Liz Robinson as "A seriously beautiful, absolute treasure of a book which is just as magical and bewitching as its big sister The Lost Words."

We have also recently enjoyed Little Universe by Natalie Ann Holborow, a collection which Liz Robinson described as "a heartfelt and beautifully relatable book of poetry that flows through the cycle of life with meaningful sensitivity."

Classic Poetry Collections

Wanting to refresh your memory of poetic greats? Carol Ann Duffy shared her chosen Sylvia Plath poems when she was Poet Laureate, celebrating her as a "bold, brilliant, brave poet who changed the world of poetry for us all". You'll also find collections from Duffy herself as well as Ted Hughes, Seamus Heaney, Philip Larkin and Simon Armitage. 

New for 2026 are some stunning new classic collections. Romantic Poets is a lovely collection of hundreds of verses from esteemed Romantic poets including John Keats, Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, William Wordsworth & William Blake. What a rich anthology of Romantic poetry exploring nature, emotion and imagination - perfect for both new readers and collectors.

Sonnets by William Shakespeare is a beautiful deluxe gift edition of Shakespeare's immortal poems with foiled covers, marbled endpapers, sprayed edges, beautiful paper and finished with a silk ribbon. It's to die for. The timeless sonnets continue to inspire writers and readers alike, offering enduring insights into love, time and mortality, one for every book lover's bookshelf. This hardback is part of Vintage Collector's Classics, a series of luxurious books especially crafted for collectors and fans of beautiful special editions. 

Stop All the Clocks by W. H. Auden is a beautifully curated selection of Auden’s most memorable poems, poems of love and loss - including the iconic title poem. A powerful, accessible entry point into 20th-century poetry.

Modern Poetry Collections

RABBITBOX by Wayne Holloway-Smith is a bold and inventive collection from a leading contemporary voice, blending playfulness with sharp, experimental thinking. Holloway-Smith’s work often challenges form and expectation, making this a compelling and distinctive modern poetry choice. Awarded a LoveReading Star Book from Liz Robinson, she described this as "an extraordinarily emotional, and unforgettable dream of a read that both whispers and screams into your heart and soul as it explores domestic abuse from a young boy’s viewpoint."

Finding Joy by Dearbhla Mescal is an uplifting and accessible collection centred on everyday moments of happiness and resilience. Warm, reflective and emotionally open, this is ideal for readers looking for poetry that comforts and connects.

A Telegraph, Irish Times, Guardian and The Week Book of the Year 2026, The Book of Jonah by Luke Kennard is a witty and inventive collection that reimagines a biblical figure in a modern setting, blending satire and philosophical reflection

She is Fierce by Ana Sampson includes work from ancient sages, classic poets and emerging contemporary innovators in a stunning gift book that contains 150 beautiful poems by women. This anthology features an array of voices and features short biographies of each poet, it's the essential addition to any bookshelf.

Amanda Gorman achieved worldwide recognition when she delivered The Hill We Climb at the inauguration of United States President Joe Biden. Call Us What We Carry features 70 poems which talk about the collective grief of a global pandemic as well as touching on themes of race, identity and grief.

The Forward Book of Poetry 2026 is a must-have annual anthology showcasing the best contemporary poetry, featuring prize-winning and shortlisted work from across the UK and beyond.

Keep scrolling for more recommendations to enjoy this World Poetry Day and every day. If you are looking for poetry recommendations for children, or for the child in you, take a look at our Poetry Collection over on LoveReading4Kids.

Or for more recommendations, check out The Perfect Poems to Celebrate National Poetry Day or our poetry category on LoveReading.

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