After 38 years, 38 anthologies and two greatest hits collections, “The Best American Poetry” series is concluding with its 2025 edition.

David Lehman, who conceived the series in 1987, launched it in 1988 and has overseen it with a rotating list of guest editors ever since, made it clear that the decision to shutter the book series was his alone.

SEE ALSO: Like books? Get our free Book Pages newsletter about bestsellers, authors and more

“No, it’s my choice,” says the poet, writer and teacher during a phone interview on Thursday. “I think it’s time to undergo new adventures.”

The series publisher Scribner echoed Lehman’s words, sharing a statement about its conclusion, which arrives on Sept. 2. “‘The Best American Poetry 2025’ is the final volume in the acclaimed series, as founding ed

See Full Page