The Forward Book of Poetry 2025

The judges of the 2024 Forward Prizes for Poetry – comprising the poets Alycia Pirmohamed, Vanessa Kisuule, Daniel Sluman and Jane Clarke, and chaired by actor and comedian Craig Charles – read hundreds of recent books and individual poems before arriving at this anthology. Their selections celebrate the diversity and innovation of poetry today, offering readers explorations of society, culture and personal experience. The Forward Prizes are the most influential awards for new poetry published in the UK and Ireland. This selection combines fresh voices with familiar names, making the book essential reading for seasoned poetry enthusiasts and new readers alike. ‘Central to the literary landscape of modern Britain’ Andrew Marr