100 of the most moving and inspiring poems of the last 200 years from around the world, a poetry anthology that will comfort and enthrall anyone trapped by grief or loneliness, selected by the award-winning, best-selling, and beloved author of  How to Read a Poem Implicit in poetry is the idea that we are enriched by heartbreaks, by the recognition and understanding of suffering—not just our own suffering but also the pain of others. We are not so much diminished as enlarged by grief, by our refusal to vanish, or to let others vanish, without leaving a record. And poets are people who are determined to leave a trace in words, to transform oceanic depths of feeling into art that speaks to others. In 100 Poems to Break Your Heart, poet and advocate Edward Hirsch selects 100 poems, from the nineteenth century to the present, and illuminates them, unpacking context and references to help the reader fully experience the range of emotion and wisdom within these poems.  For anyone trying to process grief, loneliness, or fear, this collection of grief and loss poetry will be your guide in trying times. This curated collection is more than a book of poems—it’s a companion for navigating the most difficult human emotions. Expert Curation: Award-winning poet Edward Hirsch selects and illuminates 100 essential poems from the nineteenth century to the present. Inspirational Poetry: Discover how poets transform oceanic depths of feeling into art that speaks directly to our own experiences of suffering and survival. Context and Commentary: Each selection is unpacked with insightful notes on context and references, helping you experience the full range of wisdom within. Comfort for Grief: Find solace and a sense of connection in these verses, a guide for anyone processing loneliness, fear, or heartbreak.