Book recommendations for learning craft?

I'm looking for books about how to write poetry - not just poetry collections, but actual craft books that teach technique.

I have no formal education in writing so I feel like I'm missing fundamentals. Any recommendations?

Great question! Here are my top recommendations:

For Beginners:

• The Poet's Companion by Kim Addonizio & Dorianne Laux - approachable, warm, full of exercises
• Ordinary Genius by Kim Addonizio - another great one from the same author

For Deeper Craft:

• The Making of a Poem edited by Strand & Boland - a Norton anthology organized by form
• A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver - clear, practical, lovely

For Inspiration:

• Letters to a Young Poet by Rilke - more philosophical but essential
• Madness, Rack, and Honey by Mary Ruefle - lectures on poetry, strange and wonderful

Start with Mary Oliver's handbook if you want practical fundamentals!

This is so helpful! I just ordered The Poet's Companion. Thank you both!

I'd add The Sounds of Poetry by Robert Pinsky - it's the best book I know on hearing the music in verse.

And for understanding free verse specifically: The Line in Postmodern Poetry edited by Robert Frank and Henry Sayre.

But honestly? The best education is reading lots of poetry. Craft books help, but the poems themselves teach you most.