Volume 1 offers a series of anthologies, primarily focuses on poetry characterised by experimentation with form, a revitalised interest in the lyric, and journeys into daring realms of imagination. Among the book's many highlights are Joyce Carol Oates' intense prose poem of erotica and murder "Erotic Fantasy in Fast Forward"; Victor Bockris' haunting, prophetic poem "New York City Footsteps" -- written just five days before 9/11; the avant-garde "Prayer Releases Chemicals" by Roberta Vellv -- an exciting new voice on the poetry scene; Susan Howe's "The Chair", which achieves a rare synthesis of linguistic rigor and humour; and "Labor: A company job", the last poem John Wieners ever wrote-included is a letter by him (in his writing) about the poem.