New Poetry from McLane
The London Review of Books just published "From 'Daybook'" — a new poem by acclaimed poet Maureen N. McLane. McLane's work typically blends personal reflection with philosophical depth, making this a notable addition to 2026's poetry landscape. The LRB continues to champion contemporary voices alongside literary criticism.
Maureen N. McLane has a history of publishing in the *London Review of Books*, a publication known for its in-depth essays and championing of contemporary poetry. The journal, founded in 1979, has become a significant platform for literary and intellectual discourse in Europe. The title "From 'Daybook'" suggests a work drawn from a journal or a collection of daily thoughts and observations. This format often allows for a more immediate and fragmented style, blending personal reflection with commentary on the everyday. The snippet of the poem released includes the lines: "o can you not feel what another feels | no said the hard philosopher + do not even try to think yourself a bat much less a plant". McLane's work frequently engages with British Romanticism, and she has authored scholarly books on the subject. This academic grounding often informs her poetry, which blends critical inquiry with personal experience. Her 2012 book, *My Poets*, was a hybrid of memoir and criticism, further showcasing her interest in blurring the lines between scholarly and creative writing. The 2026 poetry landscape features a diverse range of voices and forms. Notable anticipated collections include Bianca Stone's *The Near and Distant World*, Diamond Forde's *The Book of Alice*, and Camille T. Dungy's *America, a Love Story*. Many of these works are noted to be exploring themes of history, identity, and the environment.
