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.

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“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 fo

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