Spellbound

A unique anthology of poems from around the world and through the ages that celebrate magic and magicians

No matter how modern or scientifically advanced our societies become, human beings remain perpetually enthralled by the idea of magic, from our daily superstitions to our choices of entertainment. Magic has long been a central subject of poetry, and the poems in this collection are evocative evidence that the poet’s art depends on a form of wizardry—the ability to conjure enchantment from a particular combination of words.

Venerable literary wizards such as Shakespeare's Prospero, Tennyson's Merlin, and T. S. Eliot's Mr. Mistoffelees make appearances here alongside illusionists and prestidigitators in Kay Ryan's "Houdini," Ted Kooser's "Card Trick," Charles Simic's "My Magician," and Richard Wilbur's "The… Keep Reading