The Pushcart Prize XIX

Reviewing a recent edition, the New York Times Book Review declared that the Pushcart Prize is "the single best measure of the state of affairs in American literature today." This paperback edition of the nineteenth volume of this much-honored series is certain to enhance that reputation.

Over sixty selections of the best poetry, essays, and short fiction have been selected out of thousands of nominations from Pushcart staff contributing editors and hundreds of small presses. The result is an introduction to a literary world that few readers have access to—the world where much of today's significant writing is published, far from the commercial noise of the conglomerates.

In nearly two decades of continuous annual publication, the Pushcart Prize volumes have presented more than 1,000 poems, essays, and stories from 916 writers and 358 presses. The series has been honored with a Carey-Thomas Award from Publishers Weekly for "the best example of creative publishing" and editions have been named notable books of the year by the New York Times Book Review.

As the Chicago Tribune commented: "When it comes to contemporary American literature, the small press is where the action is . . . of all anthologies, Pushcart's is the most rewarding to read straight through."

1995 / paperback / ISBN 0-916366-98-7
1994 / hardcover / ISBN 0-916366-92-8
580 pages / Literature/Anthology

Praise for The Pushcart Prize XIX:

"Striking in its literary breadth and accomplishment. . . . There is so much to choose from here that readers might not want to choose at all—they can just

read on and on and on." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"It is hard not to get too excited about the latest enormous volume of the best of the non-commercial world of short stories, poetry, and essays. . . . A

surprising, vital collection that should hearten all serious readers." —Kirkus Reviews

"A truly remarkable collection." —Booklist