Do you have a good selection of poetry?
'Poesia' — po-e-ZI-a. Four syllables.
Use when looking for poetry books. Italian booksellers are often particularly knowledgeable about poetry — a highly respected literary form in Italy. Asking shows cultural awareness.
'Poesia' = poetry. 'Una buona selezione' = a good selection. Italian poetry publishing is strong — Einaudi ('Collezione di Poesia'), Mondadori, and Guanda are key publishers. Major Italian poets: Montale (Nobel Prize, 1975), Quasimodo (Nobel, 1959), Saba, Ungaretti, Pavese.
Cercoo poesie di Montale.
I am looking for Montale's poetry.
Nobel laureate — Italy's most translated poet.
Avete antologie di poesia italiana?
Do you have Italian poetry anthologies?
Anthologies give broad overview.
C'è un sezione di poesia contemporanea?
Is there a contemporary poetry section?
Modern/living poets.
Italy takes poetry seriously as a living art form. The 'Premio Viareggio' and 'Premio Montale' are prestigious poetry prizes. Italian bookshops regularly host poetry readings ('serate di poesia') and the relationship between booksellers and poets is warm and personal in the Italian literary world.