The Death of the Hat: A Brief History of Poetry in 50 Objects

“Janeczko’s selections and Raschka’s characteristically airy illustrations let readers uncover layers of meaning, possibility, and emotion.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

A book-eating moth in the early Middle Ages. A peach blossom during the Renaissance. A haunted palace in the Victorian era. A lament for the hat in contemporary times. Poetry has been a living form of artistic expression for thousands of years, and poets have found inspiration in everything from swords to stamp albums, candles to cobwebs, manhole covers to the moon. Award-winning anthologist Paul B. Janeczko and renowned artist Chris Raschka reunite for a look at poems through history inspired by objects reflecting the time in which each poet lived.