This poetry handbook is for anyone interested in poetry today - members of poetry workshops, students, or individuals at home. It covers traditional metres, sound patterns and forms but its emphasis is strongly on the more difficult questions of the rhythm, sound and shape of contemporary poetry. It discusses poetry's content and scope, poetry in society: both in Britain and by way of contrast, revolutionary Nicaragua. This is followed by a chapter on translating poetry. The conclusion makes some suggestions about where to look or go for poetry in Britain today.