This book is specifically for high school students, though it is useful to college students and anyone interested in the art and craft of poetry. Koch and Farrell, experienced teachers as well as poets, write about poetry in such a way that students will find it accessible and interesting. The book includes selections of poetry by twenty-three poets, among them Dickinson, Hopkins, Pound, Williams and Eliot, as well as Ginsberg, O'Hara, Baraka and Ashbery. There is also the translated work of such modern European poets such as Lorca, Rilke, Rimbaud, Apollinaire and Mayakowsky. “Conversational ease, technical expertise and inspiring enthusiasm make the book a marvel.” —Newsweek
 
“When two fine poets get together and produce a work on the criticism and appreciation of modern poetry the result is more than likely to be first-rate.  And so it is with Sleeping on the Wing.” —Independent Press Telegram
 
“Sensible introductory material, short readable essays on the poets, and stimulating suggestions for writing complement the selections beautifully.  Aside from being a useful classroom text, this would make a first rate introduction for those who wish to explore poetry on their own.” —The Library Journal             
 
“A significant contribution to both the criticism and appreciation of modern poetry. . . .  This innovative book make poetry interesting and accessible even to uninitiated readers and shows them how to write poetry themselves.” —The Chapel Hill Newspaper
 
 
“In an age when most poetry criticism reads like the fine print on your federal tax form, Kenneth Koch and Kate Farrell have put together a clear and highly accessible introductory anthology. . . . Koch and Farrell demystify poetry and provide the reader with a number of ways to approach it. . . . Anyone with an interest in contemporary writing should know this book.” —Indianapolis Star