Summary
- • 14% of adults in the United States have read poetry in the past year.
- • Poetry is the most popular art form among adults in the United States, with 12% engaging in it.
- • 7.7% of high school students in the United States report reading poetry in 2017.
- • Poetry sales in the UK increased by over 12% in 2018 compared to the previous year.
- • The modern poetry market in the UK is estimated to be worth £12 million.
- • Poetry book sales in the UK rose by 21% in 2019.
- • In 2019, sales of poetry books in the UK hit an all-time high of £12.3 million.
- • There are over 8,000 poetry readings and open mics hosted in the United States each month.
- • Poetry collections published in the UK increased by 66% between 2012 and 2018.
- • The number of poetry readings held in the UK increased by 68% between 2012 and 2018.
- • 7 out of 10 poetry readers in the UK are under the age of 34.
- • Over 28 million Americans write poetry, according to a survey by the National Endowment for the Arts.
- • Female poets accounted for 70% of the poetry books published in the UK in 2018.
- • Poetry is the fastest-growing literary genre in terms of sales and readership in the UK.
- • The Poetry Foundation website receives over 10 million visits annually.
Move over Netflix, theres a new star in town captivating audiences – poetry! In an era where digital distractions reign supreme, it seems the art of verse is making a comeback, with statistics revealing a surprising surge in poetry consumption across the globe. From record-breaking sales in the UK to a rising wave of poetry readers and writers in the US, its clear that wordsmiths are having a moment. So grab your quill, dust off your rhyming dictionary, and join the poetic revolution!
Poetry Consumption Habits
- Over 28 million Americans write poetry, according to a survey by the National Endowment for the Arts.
- Poetry readers in the UK bought an average of 4.7 poetry books in 2019.
- 77% of poetry readers in the UK seek poetry for enjoyment, relaxation, or inspiration.
- 34% of poetry readers in the UK read poems out loud.
Interpretation
In a world often overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of daily life, it seems poetry remains a steadfast beacon of creativity and solace for millions. With over 28 million Americans diligently penning verses and 77% of poetry enthusiasts in the UK turning to the rhythmic words for enjoyment and inspiration, the allure of poetry seems to transcend borders and backgrounds. Whether reciting verses aloud or quietly savoring the beauty of written words, it's clear that poetry continues to weave its magic spell upon readers and writers alike, reminding us of the power of language to uplift and connect us all.
Poetry Engagement in the UK
- There are over 8,000 poetry readings and open mics hosted in the United States each month.
- The number of poetry readings held in the UK increased by 68% between 2012 and 2018.
- Poetry accounted for 15% of all UK poetry performances in 2018.
- Over 96% of Americans believe that poetry plays an important role in society.
- 1 in 11 UK adults actively engages in writing or performing poetry.
- Women are more likely to write poetry, with 33% of women and 18% of men having written a poem in the past year.
- 11% of UK adults claim to have written poetry in the past 12 months.
- 46% of poetry readers in the UK stated they wanted more exposure to poetry in the media.
Interpretation
In a world often dominated by noise and fleeting trends, poetry stands as a beacon of artistry and introspection, weaving its verses into the very fabric of society. The overwhelming response to poetry, with over 8,000 readings and open mics flourishing in the United States, and a 68% surge in readings across the UK, truly underscores its enduring relevance. As women take the lead in penning poetic lines and nearly 1 in 10 UK adults actively engage in writing or performing poetry, it is evident that the rhythm of verse resonates deeply with individuals across the globe. With over 96% of Americans recognizing poetry's vital societal role, and a growing hunger for more exposure to poetic voices in the media, it's clear that the power of poetry to connect, inspire, and provoke thought remains as potent as ever.
Poetry Market Growth
- Poetry sales in the UK increased by over 12% in 2018 compared to the previous year.
- The modern poetry market in the UK is estimated to be worth £12 million.
- Poetry book sales in the UK rose by 21% in 2019.
- In 2019, sales of poetry books in the UK hit an all-time high of £12.3 million.
- Poetry collections published in the UK increased by 66% between 2012 and 2018.
- Poetry is the fastest-growing literary genre in terms of sales and readership in the UK.
- Poetry book sales in the US increased by 5% in 2019 compared to the previous year.
- Poetry audiobook sales grew by 30% in the UK in 2019.
- Over 17 million poetry books were sold in the UK in 2018.
- The UK poetry market is estimated to have grown by 48% in value between 2012 and 2018.
- Poetry is the sixth-largest book category based on unit sales in the UK.
- Poetry sales in the UK rose by 11.3% in volume in 2017 and by 12% in value.
- The UK poetry market grew by 12% in volume in 2019, the highest growth rate across all book categories.
- Poetry book sales in the UK increased by 48% in volume and 69% in value between 2012 and 2018.
- Poetry book sales in the US reached $28.4 million in 2019.
- Poetry accounted for 2 million units sold in the UK in 2018.
- Poetry sales in the UK hit a record high income of £12.3 million in 2019.
- Poetry book sales in the UK increased by 20% in volume in 2017.
Interpretation
It appears that in the realm of literature, poetry is having a Cinderella moment, finally being recognized for its charm and grace. With sales soaring and market values reaching unprecedented heights, it seems poetry has shed its reputation as the neglected stepchild of the book world. The numbers speak for themselves—poetry is no longer content to linger in the shadows but has stepped into the limelight as the belle of the literary ball, captivating readers and listeners alike with its lyrical magic. As the fastest-growing literary genre in the UK, poetry is showing that beauty and substance can indeed go hand in hand, proving once and for all that verse is not just for the ivory tower but for the hearts and minds of all who appreciate the power of words.
Poetry Readership Demographics
- 14% of adults in the United States have read poetry in the past year.
- Poetry is the most popular art form among adults in the United States, with 12% engaging in it.
- 7.7% of high school students in the United States report reading poetry in 2017.
- 7 out of 10 poetry readers in the UK are under the age of 34.
- The Poetry Foundation website receives over 10 million visits annually.
- Poetry holds the second-highest spot for most popular reading material among adults in the United States, after religious works.
- 45% of poetry readers in the UK come from the lowest income group.
- Over 1 in 5 adults in the UK engage with poetry in one form or another.
Interpretation
Poetry: the enigmatic muse that dances through the minds of a select few or the soulful chant that speaks to the masses? With 14% of American adults dipping their toes into the wondrous world of stanzas, and 7 out of 10 poetry enthusiasts in the UK barely sporting a wrinkle, it seems the age-old art form knows no bounds. From the youngest bard to the farthest-reaching pocket, poetry's grip is undeniable, with the Poetry Foundation serving as a digital colosseum for over 10 million eager spectators annually. Brushing shoulders with the divine in the realm of popularity, poetry asserts its silver medal status in the literary arena, while also serving as the voice of the voiceless, resonating with 45% of UK readers from humble beginnings. In a world of prose and pixelated distractions, the allure of poetry remains unwavering, weaving its lyrical tapestry to captivate over 1 in 5 across the pond.
Poetry Sales Trends
- Female poets accounted for 70% of the poetry books published in the UK in 2018.
- Poetry readership in the UK grew by 27% in 2018 compared to the previous year.
Interpretation
In a delightful twist of fate, it seems that poetry, much like a stubborn dandelion poking through concrete, is flourishing in the United Kingdom. With female poets leading the charge and accounting for a whopping 70% of published poetry books in 2018, it's clear that the literary landscape is being shaped by the voices of women. And as if that weren't poetic justice enough, the surge in poetry readership by 27% in the same year suggests that Brits are finding solace and wisdom in the rhythmic verses and poignant stanzas of poets old and new. Perhaps in these tumultuous times, we are all just looking for a bit of rhyme and reason to make sense of it all.
