This anthology explores the landscape of American poetry from 1950 to 1980, a period of significant stylistic and thematic shifts. Edited by Stuart Friebert, the collection aims to capture the diverse voices and movements that defined poetry in the latter half of the 20th century. It presents a curated selection of works that reflect the social, political, and artistic currents of the era. The anthology serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the evolution of contemporary American verse.

The Longman Anthology of Contemporary American Poetry, 1950-1980, is presented as a scholarly collection designed to illuminate a pivotal period in American verse. Its focus on a specific timeframe and its curated selection suggest a text intended for academic study and for readers seeking a structured overview of post-war poetry. The anthology likely provides a valuable resource for understanding the development of poetic voices and styles during these decades.