Poems of Devotion

"[A] rich, varied anthology of devotional poetry. [. . .] One returns to the poems again and again with pleasure, appreciation, and heightened understanding. Hankins, poet and editor, prepared a fine feast."

--Christianity & Literature



"Hankins makes a determined, refreshingly testy attempt to define what devotional poetry is, and what it is not, in an introductory essay [. . .]. If we allow ourselves for the moment to set aside that concern for precision, we can focus instead on this collection's central accomplishment: it shows in no uncertain terms that devotional poetry continued throughout the 20th century and into the 21st [. . .]. [. . .]Even more exciting, however, is a second impression fully felt only toward the end of the book--that devotional poetry not only abides in the present century but is positively thriving these days, showing promise for the future." 

--Brett Foster, Books & Culture



"The phrase 'contemporary devotional poetry' is more likely to conjure images of treacly holiday greeting cards than literature of the highest order. But this anthology, on the contrary, bears witness to the perennial human desire to adore--and to question, Job-like--the Almighty. This is a generous and inclusive selection, containing not only modern masters but also emerging voices. Above all, it is a reminder that the best writing is, in the end, an offering to the Mystery."

--Gregory Wolfe, editor of Image