This anthology presents a curated selection of American poetry from 1991, showcasing the diverse voices and styles that defined the literary landscape of that year. Edited by David Lehman and featuring guest editor Mark Strand, the collection aims to capture the essence of contemporary poetic expression, offering readers a snapshot of the era's most compelling and significant works.

As an annual anthology, 'The Best American Poetry 1991' is recognized for its role in documenting and disseminating contemporary American verse. The series, in general, is noted for its ability to highlight significant poetic achievements and introduce readers to a wide range of poets and styles. This specific volume, curated by David Lehman with Mark Strand as guest editor, would have been evaluated based on its representation of the year's poetic output and the editors' critical judgment. Its reception would likely reflect discussions on the state of American poetry in the early 1990s and the perceived strengths or omissions within the selection.